The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-23
WEREPROMlSED INDEPENDENCE
a PROMINENT FILIPINO WRITES OF
A TALK WITH ADMIRAL DEWEY.
He Quotes the Admiral rs Having
Promised Independence to the In
hnbitnnts of the Philippines.

Sioux Falls. S. D.. July GA letter has
been received by Senator r. e. PettsrF "
from one OF the leading commanders Of
the Filipino army, giving additional light
on the claims of tho Fnipinos as to the
understanding that was arrived at be-
tween them and the Americans before
the opening of hosulities in the Philip
pines. The letter in part:
/ 'Sinukwan Encampment, P L. April u.
1900.-Hou. X. Il. Petugrew and G. f.
Hoar. Senators, Washington. D. c. Cen
tlemen 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 promises of indie
pendence, stated thai he had never prom
lsed independence to the FilipinOs' [,
who, IN the name OF the Filipino people
and General Aguinaldo, and as a repre-
sentative OF his. have had the honor to
confer several times WI the admiral,
m@ke to you the following statements
mat you may use them as you should
think most convenient.
In April. 1895 when the rupture OF
hostulties between America ana Spain
became imminent ana in the absence OF
my chief. General Aguinaldo, who was
lnen at Singapore, / solicited through
tle American consul at Hong Kong. Mr..
Nlldmon. to have some interviews with
admiral Dewey with the object OF con-
tlnulng the Interrupted negotiations be-
tween General Agu.naldo and Admiral
Dewey through Mr., Wood, the comman-
der OF the gunhOat Petrol. Ally petition
was favorably received and went with
Mr. Andres Garchitorena. another Fill
plno. on board the Olympia. in the bay of
Honk Kong.
Once on board the following interview
In French took place through the flag lieu
tenant, Mr.. Brumby acting as Interpreter.
Filipino--Admiral. having come to our
knowledge that a war between your coun
try and Spain is imminent, we. who have
Fought the latter for our Independence.
are willing. in obedience to the desires
manifested by you to General Aguinaldo
through Mr. Wood, to take part in the
war as allies Of America, so long as IT be
carried on with the object Of freeing from
me yoke Of Spain her colonies, giving
them their Independence
Admiral Dewoy-The American peoDIe
champions OF liberty will undertake this
war with the humanitarian object OF free
Ing from the Spanish yoke the peoples un-
der i, aud Will give you Independence and
freedom, as we have proclaimed to the
world at large.
'tilipino-We are very grateful for this
generous manifestation Of the great
American people, and being made through
an admiral or their navy, we value 1T mora
than a written contract, aud thereupon
place ourselves a. your entire disposal.
Admiral Dewey-I place at vour dis
posal the ships OF my feet for the con-
veyanee OF both tho Filipino leaders and
the army you may get. Moreover
think my government is willing to sun
ply YOU with arms and ammunition.
'Fillpino-We are very thankful to Won
TOT this new generosity OF the American
people and you may be sure that we are
ready TO fight at your side for the iu-
dependence OF the Philippines, even with
OUT arms. as We have done during the
recent revolution.
Admiral Dewev-America is rich in
every respect; she has territories scarcs-
" inhabited Besides, our constitution
prevents territorial expansion outside of
America. Therefore the Fnipinos may be
sure or their Independence.
AfteE these conclusive statements the /
conversation turned to other details con-
~, ing the state OF the country"
me letter is signed J. Alejandrino nrs !
Is FIilplno general who recently sur
'eu'ered TO tho American forces.