Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-03-30
THE CABINET MEETING
Discusses Aguinaldo's Future. Fuston's Re-
ward and Philippine Situa ion.

washington, March 29-The cabinet
meeting, today. was devoted almost
ehtireiy To discussion of the caDturc
ol ASulnaldo, its effect upon the mil
itary situation in the Philippines. the
disposition 10 be made of the insllr-
gent chief and the reward to be given
70 zen. Funston. The subject was con-
sldered in all its phases. but no 5afi.
mite conclusions were reached e;tba~
win regard to Gen. Funston's reward
VI 10 the punishment of Aguinaldo.
Inc President and all the members
OF the cabinet are in favor of the most
liberal and substantial recognition ~
the service performed by Gen. Fms
ton. There was some discussion of thn
question of making him n briraIio,.
general III the regular army. but If was
thought that fun reports shoull hc
awaited before action was taken. Tho
after PROBABLY VIII be allowed to rest
Wncie 1t is for the present.
Gen. Funston is holding a volunteer
COMMISSION as br.gadier general. which
VIII not expire until June 50. of this
year. SO that as far as the honor and
cnolumentS are concerned. his stand
ms would not be prcjudiced by the de-
lay.
The disposition Of Aguinaldo was a
matter that could not be disposed os
cetntely. Whatever action is taken in
regard to him will originate with thn
army officials in the Philippines ana he
passed upon finally there. There is no
inclination to deal harshly with the
man who has led the insurroytiou
against the forces Of this country.
Some of the cabinet officers think it
IS possible he may be used with good
effect by the authorities of the Ph;lip-
pines commission in the establishment
of civil government. Gen. MdCArthur'S
dispatch suggesting that Aguinaldn
might issue an address advising the in
Surgents To accept the situation was
pointed to as indicating possibilities
along this line
ON the other hand Agu;naldo's re-
ord has not been such as to win FOR
him great confidence in his consistency.
and if his influence cannot be utilized
safely he undoubtedly will be cent to
some place where he can foment no
further trouble. Guam was mentioned
as possible place for his detention.
The view of the majority of the cab
met was that the time is not yet ripe
70 decide what course should be pur-
sued in the disposition Of Aguinaldo.
1t is felt that some little time should
elapse to permit an opportunity to de-
liberate carefully over what course.
would prove the Wiscst. whether he
can be of any service to the Unitcl
States government by remaining ut
Manila and eXerting his innuenc" in
81, =;
be dangerous to permit him to remain
so close to the field of insurrectiouarH-
activity, or whether even il would he
best to send him among the other in
surgcnt prisoners on the island Of
Guam.
There is no disposition to deal othcrwis
than leniently with him, bu, there are
various questions that VIII have to be
considered in the case. as for instance.
whether he personally instigatcd aesas.,t-
nation of Americans and similar offences.
which some Of the members Of the "a ni-
net think should call for some pCnIItE.
Ii cannot be too CmphatcallN stated
that the administration will avoid givin.,
The captured leader any basis for pos
ing as a martyr. The matter Of trans
porting him TO Guam will receive scriOds
consideration.
One senator who called at The White
House. today. suggested Ia the President
the ACCESSIBILITY of transporting AEul-
naido to some place like Turtlla. in the
Samoan group where. ii WAS pointed OUt.
he could be kept at Il distance from the
scene of his old operations ana where n"
would be in Il climate OF which IL" Cnuit
make no complaint.
The trend OF views as expressed by tn
cabinet indicated that ultimately trans
portation to some place Of confinement
outside Of the Philippines was the course
most likely to be adopted.
The President and his cabirct h1!cNrS
that the capture or Aguindl do Will me'i'
much in the crushing ot tn insure III
lion. Indeed they arc inclined to bclcN"
now that ii means the utter collapse "A
the opposition to the autIuritN m t-ic
United states. , ,.
deuartment is at work trying ~ r"Fl Y
plans for The opening 81 IN" NOVA aiit
f,omanchc Indian reservations IN okit
homa to settlement III August neN' IT,
is trviut. TO avoid. If possible the tt"uo.. :
(which attended prior Openings cSpcciIl'S
fhe opening of Oklahoma.
This was the last cabinet meeting to hc
.tnndcd hv Attorney General Gr.SGs an 1
In, IcaV.takiug was marEcd ny me mo- t
sincere regret from the frcSidchl am
n,nmbnrs of the cabinet. Mr.. GrlgES " ~
ta-n washington. tomorrow. Tor hl8
Nom, in New Jersey and "ill ~ once ht-
.tin thr practice Of his profession
httorncv General CrigGs. late .hlS H {
,crroon took leave oi his associates III
M dnnarfment Of justice. Solicitor 'i'f' II
nra1 richards, on hchaif 81 tnc nihr,i
,nd crrnloves Of the department, prcS'ul
N ~ inc retiring attorney E"h"Tai II XII a'
snlid silver CIarct pitcher o. clls9lC S'laF0
and unique design