Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1899-10-27
l was there at that hour and saw the men.
On June I6, Mr.. Williams writes:

On June I6, Mr.. Williams writes:
Sr:-I have the honor to report that since
our squadron destroyed the Spanish fleet on
May I, the insurgent forces have been most
active and almost uniformity successful IN their
many encounters with the crown forces of
Spain. General Agulnaldo, the insurgent chief,
who was deported late in 1897, returned recent
ly to Cavite and resumed the direction of insur-
gent forces. He is not permitted, by his peo-
pie, to personally lead in battle, but from head
quarters governs all military movements. He
told me to-day that since his return his forces
have captured nearly 5000 prisoners, nearly
1900 of whom were Spaniards and all of whom
had rifles when taken. General Aguinaldo has
now about o,5oo rifles and eight field pieces,
with 5000 more rifles, two maxim guns and
dynamite gun bought in China, and now in
transit. The insurgents have defeated the
Spaniards at all points except at fort near
Matate, and hold not only North Luzon to the
suburbs of Manila, but Batanzas province also
and the bay coast entire, save the city of Manila.
While the Spaniards cruelty and barbarously
slaughter Filipiuos taken in arms, and often
non combatants, women and children, the in
surgent vcto1s, following American example,
spare life, protect the helpless, and nurse, feed
and care for Spaniards taken prisoner and for
wounded fallen from their own ranks
On pages 34I to 346 are letters from Hon. E.
S. Pratt, American consul to Singapore, to the
department of state, from which l quote. On
May I, 1898, Mr.. Pratt writes
Sir:-I have the honor to submit the incosed
copies of my reports regarding my action in ar
ranging for the cooperation with the American
forces of General Aguinaldo, leader OF the in
surrectionary movement in the Philippines,
and the departure of the latter to Join Commo-
dore Dewey.
On April 81, Mr.. Pratt sent the following
cablegram:
Secretary of State, Washington: General
Agulnaldo gone my instance Hong Kong ar
range with Dewey for general cooperation in
surgents Manila
To which Dewey replied:
"Tell Aguinado come as possible"
In his letter of April 28, Mr.. Pratt said:
Agunado impressed me as man of intelli-
gence, ability and courage, and worthy the
confidence that had been placed in him.
On May 20, Pratt writes of proclamation
issued by insurgent leaders at Hong Kong to
their people in the Philippines just prior to de-
parture of our fleet for Manila, urging them to
rally to the Americans as their liberators. Fol-
lowing are extracts from this proclamation:
Compatriots: Divine Providence is about to
place independence within our reach, and in a
way the most free and independent nation could
wish for.
The Americans, not from mercenary motives,
but for the sake of humanity and the lamenta-
tions of so many prosecuted people, have con-
sdered it opportune to extend their protecting
mantle to our beloved country now that they
have been obliged to sever relations with Spain,
owing to the tyranny this nation is exercising
i'll Cuba. At the present moment an American
squadron is preparing to sail for the Philippines.
We, your brothers, are very much afraid that
you may be induced to fire on the Americans.
No, brothers, never make this mistake. Rather
blow out your own brains than fire shot or
treat as enemies those who are your lilerators.
Take note the Americans will attack by sea
and prevent any re-enforcements coming from
Spain; therefore we insurgents must attack by
land. Probably you will have more than suf-
iicient arms, because the Americans have arms
and will find means to assist us.
There where you see the American flag fly.
ing assemble in numbers-they are our re-
deemers.
In house document No. 3, third session, 55th
congress, beginning on page 100, are the official
correspondence of Dewey to the navy depart
ment, from which quote. On May 20, Dewey
cabled:
Aguinaldo, the rebel commander-in- n-chief,
was brought down by the McCulloch. Organ
izing forces near Cavite and may render assist
ance that will be valuable.
On May 29, he cabled:
Steamer has just arrived from Annoy with
1000 Mauser rifles and great amount of am.