The Savannah morning news., 1900-07-23
b SAYS DEWEY PROMISED 1T.
Filipino General Says He Assured
Them Independence.

Them Independence.
Omaha Neb., July PA special 20 the
World Herald from Sioux Falls, S. D.,
says:
| "A letter has been received by Sena-
tor r. F. Pettigrew from one of the lead
ing commanders Of the Filipino army In
regard 10 the claims OF the Filipino peo-
pie as 10 the understanding that was ar
rived at between them and the Ameri-
cans before the opening of hostilities in
the Philippines. The letter says in part:
"Sinukwan Encampment, Philippine
Islands, April IL, 19Oo-Hon. r. f. Pettf-
grew and @. F. Hoar, sena tors, WASH
ihstoH:
Gentlemen: l have read In some
American papers that Admiral Dewey,
compelled by you and other senators,
lovers OF truth and justice, to answer
whether he had made to us formal pro-
misses of independence, stated that he had
never promised independence to the Fill
pinos l. who, in the name OF the Filipino
people and OF Gen. Aguinaldo and as a
representative OF his, have had the honor
to confer several times with the admiral,
make to you the following statements
that You may use them as you SHOULD
think more convenient
" In April 1895, whon the rupture OF
hostilitits between Amtr'ca and Spain be-
came imminent. and in the absence Of my
chief, Gen. Aguinaldo, who was then at
S ngapore. / solicited through the Amer
lean consul at Hong Kong, Mr.. Wildman
to have some interviews with Admiral
Dewey, with the objec. of continuing The
interrupted negotiations between Gen
Aguinsldo and Admiral Dewey, through
Mr.. Wood, The commander of the Ameri-
can sunboat Petrol. My petition was ia
vcrably r. ceived and went with Mr.. An
dres Garchitoreno, another Filipino, on
board the Olympia in the bay Of Hong
Kong.
"Ouce on board. the following interview
In French took place through the flag
Lieutenant, Mr.. Brumby, acting as inter-
prefer:
'Filipino-Admiral, having come to our
knowledge that war between your coun-
try and Spain is imminent we, who have
fought the latter for our independence,
are willing, in obedience to the desire
manifested by you to Gen. Aguinsldo
through MIR. Wood, to take part in the
war as allies of America, so long as 1t be
carried on with the object OF freeing from
the yoke Of Spain her colonies. giving
them their independence
Admiral Dewey-The American peo-
pie, champions of liberty, VIII undertake
this war with the humanitarian object of
freeing from the Spanish yoke the peo-
pies under 1t, nnd will give you indepen-
dence and freedom, we have proclaim
ed to the world at large.
'Filipino-We are very grateful for
this generous manifestation OF the great
American people and being made through
an admiral of their navy, we value II more
than a written contract, and thereupon
place ourselves at your entire disposal
q" Admiral Dewey-I place at your dis
posal the ships of my fleet for the convey
ance OF both the Filipino leaders and the
arms you may get. Moreover, 1 think my
government Is willing to supply you with ,
arms and ammunition.
'Filipino-We are very thankful to YOU
for this new generosity of the American
people, and you may be sure that we are
ready to fight at your side for the indie
pendence OF the Philippines, even without
arms as we have done during the recent
revolution"
admiral Dewey-America Is rich in
every respect; she has territories sparse
ly inhabited. Besides, our constitution
prevent territory expansion outside Of
America. therefore, the Filipinos may be
sure OF their independence and not a bit
Of their land shall be taken from them
After these conclusive and formal
statements, the conversation turned 20
other details concerning the state of the
country"
The letter is signed ~. Alejandrino."
He is a Filipino general who recently sur
rendered to the American forces.