Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-12-09

tcntl0nS OF ulSpltcnlng 10 Munllu u commission
composed OF three gentlemen Of the highest
character and distinction. thoroughly acquaint-
cd with the orient. who. In association with Adj
miral Dewey and Maj. Gen. Otis. were instruct
cd to facilitate the most humane and effective
extension OF authority throughout the islands
and 10 secure. with the least possible delay, tho
benefits OF n wise and generous protection Of
life and property TO the Inhabitants"
But before their arrival ut Manila the sinis-
ter ambition of few leaders OF the Filipinos
had created situation full OF embarrassments
for us and most grievous In It's consequences 10
themselves The clear and impartial prelimi-
nary report Of the commissioners, which trans-
NIT herewith. gives so lucid and comprehensive
history Of the present insurrectionary move
ment that the story need not be repeated. II is
enough TO say that the claim OF the rebel leader
that he was promised Independence by any Of
ficer Of the United States In return for his rs
sIstance has no foundation In fact and Is cate
Rorically denied by the very witnesses who were
called 10 prove it. The most the insurgent lead
or hoped for when he came back 70 Manila was
the liberation OF the islands from the Spanish
control, which they had been laboring for years
without success 10 throw on.
The prompt accomplishment OF this work by
the American army and navy gave him other
ideas and ambitions, and insidf0us suggestions
from various quarters perverted the purposes
and intentions with which he had taken up
arms No sooner had our army captured Ma
nila than the Filipino forces began 10 assume
an attitude OF suspicion and hostility which the
utmost efforts Of our officers and troops were
unable 10 disarm or modify Their kindness
and forbearance were taken rs q proof OF cow
ardicc. Tho agRressions OF the Filipinos con-
tlnually increased until finally. Just before the
time set for the senate Of the United States for
n vote upon the treaty, an attack. evidently
prepared In advance. WIS made all along the
American lines. which resulted In terribly de-
structive and sanguinary repulse Of the insur-
gents
This was the unhappy condition Of affairs
which confronted our commissioners on their
arrival IN Manila They had come with the
hope and intention OF cooperating with Adj
miral Dewey and Mat. Gen. Otis In establishing
peace and order In the archipelago and the
largest measure Of self-government compatible
with the true welfare Of the people. What they
actually found can best be set forth In their own
words:
~Deplorable Is war is, the one In which We
arc now engaged was unavoidable By Us We
were attacked by bold, adventurous and en-
thuala>tlc army. No alternative was Left 70 Us.
except ignomlnous retreat
1T a not 70 be conceived Of that any Amori-
can would have sanctioned the surrender Of
Manila 70 the insurgents Our OBLIGATIONS 70
other nations and 10 the friendly Filipinos and
70 ourselves and cur nag demanded that force
should b met By forca Whatsoever ths future
Of the Philippines may Be. there h no conr1e
open 70 y now except toprolocu,o ne var IN
~ ne lnsuFgsnts arc reduced % submission.
Ihe commlr1Ion = q ~ oplnion ~ thuo he