New-York tribune., 1900-04-06


lowing letter from Captain Frank S. Long, Com
pany B, 39th Volunteers, a former member OF
its staff now with his regiment in the Philip
pines and lately mentioned in the dispatches for
ganantry and ability displayed on January at
the taking Of CarmOna:
Santo Tomas P. L. February II
Copies of the NewYork papers containing
Bryan's carefully prepared review Of the Presi-
dents message have been scattered broadcast
among the soldiers. Without discussing political
issues, the fact stands out that the Nebraskan
does not understand the Filipino. In the first
place he desires the Filipino have his inde-
pendanca. If he understood the situation ne
would be of the last TO urge the withdrawal
of the American troops The wide valleys and
plains, titled by thousands. are owned by very
few. The friars and the few rich natives who
own the land more eXaCting and arbitrary
than ever the Irish landlords were. All about
here the country belongs 10 the insurgenC Gen
eraI MaXlnlo MalVar: MS troops, are ms ten
ants. and II IS necessity not choice. that impels
these young be ''insurgentOrs Where
would be the suffrages Of the citizens of Santa
Tomas Ianauan and AIlInlnoS II this vast land
holder should preside at election? Hitherto
he has always named his own presidente and
other town officers.
The friars the Spanish say. are not Roman
Catholic priests. understand the term.
They are said by the Spaniards-themselves
Cathulics-tO be degenerate wanderers from the
true faith. and have largely lost their standing
at Rome. These friars have the most wonder
full hold upon the affections and fears Of the
people, and rule them at Will The natives are
alert, active and quick TO learn, but changeabie
their likes and dislikes being variable as the
weather. All they know of civilization has
come them through many generations OF CON
tact with the Spaniard- They have the afrec-
tiOnate, light hearted manner Of the troubadOur
combined with revengeful treacherous nature
inherited from pagan ancestors. and kept affane
by Spanish oppression. Do them a favor and
they will repay you tenfoId- Do them an in
jury. and the Sullen look and flashing eve carry
a threat that means death.
The corrupt Spanish official has set the stand
ard for municipal and territorial government
Much of the money used In prosecuting the in
surreCton secured by force from the rich
and moderately Well TO do. The entire plan OF
the carrying of into captivity OF maidens who
suit the fancy Of the rebel chiefs.
This Is the people 10 whom is 10 be given
their independence by Mr. Bryan Never be-
pendence that now is theirs. Guarded by Amer
lean troops. with schools and churches opened
municipal government formed by popular vote.
without the slightest Intervention OF troops. and
agriculture resumed. they rapidly becOn-
ing friendly 10 their big friends No worse
rebel leaders. in hiding come forth and
assume control What is true here is true in
the other islands. The large majority care for
nothing but permission to make an honest liv-
ing. For the first time in their lives an oppOr-
tunity has them live without fear
OF oppression They welcome the change IN
government and in proof IS the following copy
OF an order issued at Tanauan. embOdying the
resolution OF the municipal government The
Presidente is former lieutenant in the In
surSent army, and the twelve policemen
rebel soldiers
Station 81 Battalion. 2Sth Infantry. L. 5 v
TauIuan. February II. 1900
Order No. lC.-The civil government Of this puebia
having resolved th1 thieves and e lrOnes mus. b.
either arrested. driven OF the limits OF this
puebIa and It's barrtos, killed and communicated