The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-07-23
SAYS DEWEY PROMISED.
FILIPINO LEADER REPORTS AN AL
LEGGED INTERVIEW WITH AD-
MIRAL BEFORE MANILA
WRITES PETT1GREw AND HoAR
That There Was an Understanding
That the United States Would
Guarantee Freedom to
the Natives.

OMAHA, Neb., July PA special to the
World-Herald from Sioux Falls, S. D.,
says: A letter has been received by Sen
ator r. F. Pettigrew from one of the
leading commanders of the Filipino
army, giving additional light on the
claims of the Filipino people as to the
understanding that was arrived at be-
tween them and the Americans before
the opening of hostilities in the Philip
pines. The letter says in part:
"Sinukwan Encampment, Philippine
Islands, April 12, 19OO-Hon. r. F. Pet1-
grew and 6. F. Hoar, Senators, Washing
ton. Gentlemen: l have read in some
American papers that Admiral Dewey,
compelled by you and other senators, to
answer whether he had made to US q
formal promise of independence, stated
that he had never promised Independence
to the Filipinos.
1, who, in the name. of the Filipino
people, and of Gen. Aguinaldo, have had
the honor to confer several times with
the admiral, make to you the following
statement:
'1n April, 1898, when the rupture of
hostilities between America and Spain
became imminent, and in the absence of
my chief, Gen Aguinaldo, who was then
at Singapore, l solicited through the
American consul at Hong Kong Mr.
Wildman, to have some interviews with
Admiral Dewey, the object of continuing
the interrupted negotiations between Gen.
Aguinaldo and Admiral Dewey. through
Mr. Wood, the commander of the Amer
lean gunboat Petrol. My petition was fa-
vorably received and l went with Mr.
Andres Garchoterna, another Filipino, on
board the Olympia in the bay Of Hong
Kong.
Once on board, the following inter
Niew, in French, took place through the
nag lieutenant, Mr.. Brumby, acting as
Filipino-Admiral, having come to our
knowledge that a war between your
country and Spain is imminent, we, who
nave fought the latter for our independ-
ence, are willing. in obedience to the de-
sires manifested by you to G n Agu naIio
through Mr.. Wood, to take part in the
val war as allies Of America, 50 long as it
pc carried on with the object of freeing
from the yoke of Spain her colonies, Civ
ing them their independence.
Admiral Dewey-The American people,
champions of liberty, will undertake this
war with the humanitarian object Of
freeing from the Spanish yoke the peo
pies under 1t, and will give you indie
penoence and freedom, as we have pro
canned to the world at large
Filipino-We are very grateful for this
generous manifestation of the great
american people, and, being made
value it more than written contract.
ana thereupon place ourselves at your
entire disposal. '1i
a Admiral sh,1 Dewey place at your dispos-
ance of both Filipino leaders and t5o
arms you may get. Moreover, I think
my government is willing to supply Won
with arms and ammunition
t1ipino-We are very thankful to vo,,
na Ior 5nis new generosity of the American
peo9pIe and you may be sure that we are
pendence of the Philippines, even without
arms. as you have done during the recent
revolution.
Admiral Dewey-America is rich in
every respect known. She has territories
spa sspsairsely inhabited. Besides, our consti-
tuition prevents territorial expansion ont
side of America. therefore the Filipinos
may be sure of their independence and
not bit of their land shall be taken from
them
After the conclusive and formal state
ments the conversation turned to other
details of the state of the country
The letter is signed ~. Alejandrino."
He is Filipino general who recently sur
rendered to the American forces