The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-04
Speech by Vice Governor Wright at "A
Public Discussion of the Measure
in Manila Yesterday.
PROTEST FROM A SPANIARD
WHO SAID THERE WAS NO SUCH
THING AS A POLITICAL CRIME.
Federal Party Also Opposed to the
Proposed Law-AnOther Death List
from General Chaffee.

MANILA, Nov. 3-There was a public
discussion before the Philippine commits
sion to-day of the draft of the act against
treason and sedition. Many prominent
Filipinos were present Vice Governor
Wright explained the object of the bill,
saying that he Spanish code was unsatis-
factory. There are a number of people
living in the Philippines" remarked Mr..
Wright, who so long there is no pun
ishment for treason, will take advantage
of the fact to clog the wheels of the insular
government. 1t must not be overlooked
that turbulent spirits exist in the pacified
provinces. The masses of the people are sus-
ceptible to inf1ammatory utterances and
liable to be influenced by scheming dema-
gogues. 1t would be inexcusable weakness
on the part of the commission to allow the
people to be aroused to deeds of violence
who are now gradually drifting to the pur-
suits of peace. The recent renewed at
tempts at Instruction in the island OF
Samar and the province of Bantangas Uu-
zon) and at a few other points, due to
noisy Filipino agitators, have caused g.
feeling of unrest in the minds Of both
Filipinos and Americans, and the effect of
their continuance would be 10 make impos-
sible the very things these agitators claim
they most desire. Such endeavors serve to
recruit the ranks of the insurgents and to
postpone the era of good feeling and fell
lowship which must come. No excuse ex-
lists for secret political organizations Their
intent must be evil No matter what may
have been the opinions of the Filipinos re-
garding the sovereignty OF the American
government the fact remains that the
Americans are here, and, moreover, here
they intend to stay"
Senior ISABELLA Reys, a Spanish journalist.
who has been here for several weeks, said
he was opposed to the bill and objected
generally TO the imposition of the death
penalty for political crimes. He suggested
that persons committing the onenses
against which the bill was aimed should be
deported to the United States, and declared
that Italy and Portugal had enacted the
most reasonable existing laws dealing with
the matters under consideration
Commissioner Worcester asked him if he
considered the killing of King Humbert a
political crime.
Senior Reys-Nothing political is criminal.
Vice Governor Wright asked him If he
considered the killing of President McKin-
ley a criminal act.
Senior Reys-I have already made it clear
that there is no such thing a political
crime.
The commissioners Indignantly ordered
him to take his seat.
Senior Buencamino on behalf of the Fed
eral party objected to the bill. Senior Bau-
tista, at one time president of the So
called f1nplnO congress, SAID tnat sections
of the proposed law had created a panic
in Manila, that Spain had no such law, that
in his opinion private citizens ought not to
be compelled to divulge matters within
their knowledge, that the doctrine of trea-
son ought to apply to officials only, and that
the bill as drawn offered great opportun-
ity to blackmail. The discussion will be
continued tomorrow.
Advices from Catabalogan, Samar, say it
is well known that in spite of the fact that
all ports of Samar are closed. supplies still
oh fhN g hi IL
is done during dark nights by small boats
from the island of Leyte Every available
gunbOat is now endeavoring to prevent
this. The capture of Lukban's commissary
has proved a great blow to the insurrec-
ton, as it renders future supplies very
precarious.
Conditions in the Island of Leyte very
annoying to General Smith. A large num-
Der of junks are used with the express
object of aiding the insurgents in Samar,
covering the movements of fugitives and
landing provisions and clothing.