Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-09-21

their highest ideal of state organization. By
and by, Agunaldo thought it not discourteous
to ask Admiral Dewey and General Anderson
what the intentions of the United States were
towerd them, as people. Now, this did not
imply distrust as to our intentions, but natural
desire tor definite expression, so that he might
work with a more definite aim. For Aguinaldo
and his cabinet and staff realized that we were
not weak nation like Spain, but mighty
power, capable of forcing any measure, if car
RED to the extreme, SO he wished to work in
accord with our views, if possible.
The reply slightly startled him and aroused
his first suspicion as to our ultimate intentions
General Anderson said that che did not know
what we would do, but that (Aguinaldo) must
trust to the honesty and integrity of the Amer
ican people" For months, Agunado and his
people "trusted," although in the school of
diplomacy. A nation "without any intentions"
is all object Of distrust.
Never once was this organized body of Fill
ipnos treated as if we considered them worthy
of notice or consideration, after the city of
Manila was captured, although before that time
they were tacitly given to understand that they
were our allies. Naturally, they resented it.
ANY people with any pride would. Although
their army, estimated at from 10000 to o,ooo
men, encrcled the city of Manila for six
months waiting for the United States find out
what she would do with them, not single
shot was exchanged between us, and no hostile
demonstration was seen, until after Mckinley
ordered re-enforcements to those islands, which
they, in common sense and reason, could not
construe in any sense except as hostile .inten
tions upon our part.
But still they waited until that proclamation
was issued which dashed them from the pedes-
tai of hope into the depths of grim despair,
and read, in part, "In ful6llment of the rights
of SOW, reignty thus acquired (by purchase from
Spain) and the responsible obligations OF gov
ernment thus assumed, the actual occupation
and administration of the entire group of the
Philippine Islands becomes Immediately neces
sary, and the military government heretofore
maintained by the United States in the city
harbor and bay of Manila is to be extended
with all possible dispatch to the whole Of the
ceded territory" and was signed by William
Mckinley, Jan. d, 1899.
indeed! So that was the independence Of
the Philippine people! Military government!
They were slightly acquainted with that form
of government under Spanish rule. 1t was
quite likely that they would take kindly to it
again; so quote part OF the proclamation in
reply to the one above
81 had all confidence in the American tradi-
tons and history, for they were willing to fight
for independence and the abolition of slavery
until 1t was attained. | thought | would get
my independence, as | was promised by the
consu-general of Singapore, Mr.. Pratt, and it
would come in formal, assured, friendly proc
lamaton by the Americans generals who had en-
tered these waters. But it was not so. The
generals took my concession in favor of friend
ship and peace as indicative of weakness. My
government cannot remain Indifferent in view
of violent and aggressive usurpation of its ter
ritory by people who claim to be the cham
pions of liberty; and so it is determined to be-
gin hostlities if the American forces intend to
oct, by force, the occupation of Visayas.
denounce these transactions before the world in
order that the universal conscience may give its
| inhexible decision. Who are the manslaugh-
terers of humanity? Upon their heads be all
| the blame that will be wasted.
Gan. 6, 1899. EMILIO AGUINAIDo."
Thus was brought about the struggle which
| is going on now between the American and
Philippine people.
If the admnisi ration had declAsed to them
the same intentions which they declared to the
| Cubans, not drop of blood would have been
spilled. A weak, vascilating policy where a
strong declaration for right shorld have beer
| made has cost us thousands of precious lives