The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-12-08

Al,
over to the Spanish government on the lst Of
May.
In this manner the Philippines came to the
United States. The islands were ceded by the
government Of Spain, which had been in undis-
puted possession Of them for centuries They
were accepted not merely by our author
lied commissioners in Paris under the
direction Of the executive but by the constitu-
tonal and well considered action of the repre-
sentatives OF the people of the United States in
both houses Of congress I had every reason to
believe. and still believe. that this transfer OF
sovereignty was in accordance with the wishes
and the aspirations OF the great mass Of the
Filipino people. From the earliest moment NO
opportunity was lost OF assuring the people Of
the islands OF our ardent desire for their well
fare and of the intention Of this government TO
do everything possible to advance their inter-
ests. In my order Of the 10th Of May. 1898. the
commander Of the military expedition dis
patched to the Philippines was instructed to
declare that We came not to make war upon the
people OF the country, nor upon any part or
faction among them, but to protect them In
their homes, in their employments and In their
personal and religious rights
That there should be no doubt as to the para
mount authority there, on the 18th of August,
it was directed that there must be no joint oc-
cupation with the insurgents" that the United
States must preserve the peace and protect per-
sons and property within the territory occupied
by their military and naval forces; that the in
surgents and all others must recognize the
military occupation and authority OF the
United States As earlv as December 4. before
the cession and in anticipation OF that event.
the commander In Manila was urged to restore
peace and tranquility and to undertake the
establishment OF beneficent government.
which should afford the fullest security for life
and property.
On the 2ist of December. after the treaty was
signed. the commander of the forces of occupa-
III
In the most public manner that we come, not as
invaders and conquerors. but as friends to pro-
tect the natives in their homes, in their employ
ments and in their personal and religious
rights"
The same day, while ordering Gen. Otis to see
that the peace should be preserved in Iloilo. he
was admOniShed that: 1T is most important
that there should be no conflict with the insur-
gents. On the first day Of January, 1850. your
general orders were reiterated that the kindly
intentions of this government should be in
every possible way communicated to the insur-
gents"
On the 2lst of January announced my in
tentions Of dispatching to Manila q commission
composed OF three gentlemen of the highest
character and distinction, thoroughly acQuaint-
ed with the orient, who. in association with Ad-
miral Dewey and Maj. Gen. Otis, were instruct
extension Of authority throughout the islands
and to secure, with the least possible delay, the
benefits Of wise and generous protection of
life and property to the Inhabitants"
But before their arrival at Manila the sinis-
ter ambition OF a few leaders of the F1lipinos
had created situation full OF embarraSSmentS
for us and most grievouS in its consequences to
themselves. The clear and impartial prelimi
nary report Of the commissioners which trans
NIT herewith, gives SO lucid and cOmprehe nSive
q history OF the present inSurrectonary move
ment that the story need not be repeated It is
<Iott 1on loivv, 81 f1o l,o1 odor
that he was promised independence by any Of
ficer Of the United States in return for his
Sistance has no foundation in fact and Is cate
gorically denied by the very witnesses who were
called to prove it. The most the insurgent lead
er hoped for when he came back to Manila was
the liberation of the islands from the Spanish
control which they had been laboring for years
without success to throw Oh.
The prompt accomplishment of this work by
the American army and navy gave him other
ideas and ambitions, and insidiOuS suggestions
from various quarters perverted the purposes
and intentions with which he had taken up
arms. No sooner had our army captured Ma
Mia than the Filipino forces began to assume
an attitude Of suspicion and hostility which the
utmost efforts OF our officers and troops were
unable to disarm or modify. Their kindness
and forbearance were taken as a proof of cow
ardice. The aggressions of the FilipinOS con-
tinually increased until finally, just before the
time set for the senate Of the United States for
vote upon the treaty, an attack. evidently
prepared in advance, was made all along the
American lines. which resulted in terribly de-
structive and sanguinary repulse Of the insur-
gents.
Ten days later an order of the insurgent gov
eminent was issued to its adherents who had
remained in Manila. Of which Gen. Otis justly
observes that ''for barbarous intent it is
eQualed in modern times" It directs that at
eight o'clock on the night of the 4th OF Febru-
airy the territorial militia shall come together
in the streets of San Pedro, armed with their
bolos, with guns and ammunition. where con-
venient; that Filipino families only shall be re-
ever race they NAV be, shall be exterminated
without any compassion, after the extermina-
ton of the army of occupation. and adds:
brothers, we must avenge ourselves on the
Americans and exterminate them, that we may
take our revenge for the infamies and treach-
cries which they have committed upon U.s.
Have no compassion upon them; attack with
vigor."
copy of this fell, by good fortune. into the
hands of our officers and they were able to take
measures to control the rising, which was actu-
ally attempted on the night of February %
q week later than was originally contem-
plated Considerable number Of armed insur-
gents entered the city by waterways AMI
swamps and in concert with confederates inside
attempted to destroy Manila by fire. They
were kept in check during the night and the
next day driven out OF the city with heavy loss
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 Ad-
miral Dewey and Maj. Gen. Otis in establishing
peace and order in the archipelago and the
with the true welfare Of the people. What they
actually found can hest be set forth in their own