The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-04-23
HE ANNOUNCES HIS ALLEGIANCE TO
THE UNITED STATES.
HE URGES THE CAUSE OF PEACE
After Prafsfng the valor of the Fill
pinos He Declares Further Resist
ance Observation-Disclosures He Yields
TO American Sovereignty in Obedf-
ence to the Wishes of a Majority of
His People-Great Good Antfcfpated
by Washington Government from
this Declaration by Aguinaldo.

Manila, April 19.-The following is
A~uguinaldo's address to the Filipino
people made public this evening:
Il believe I am not in error in pre-
Stunning that the unhappy fate to which
adverse fortune has led me is not a sur
prise to those h have been familiar
with the rogress Of the war. The les
sons taught, with a full meanin and
which have recently come to my knoll
edge, suggests with irresistible force
that a complete termination of hostil-
tiles and lasting peace are not only de-
sirable, but absolutely essential to the
welfare of the Philippine Stands.
The Philippines have never been dis
mayed at their weakness nor have they
faltered in following the path pointed
out by their fortitude and courage.
The time has come. however. in which
they find their advance along this path
to be impeded by an irresistible force
which, while it restraints them, yet en-
!lghtens their minds and opens to them
another course, presenting to them the
cause of peace. This cause has been
joyfully embraced by the majority of
my fellow countrymen who have al
ready united around he glorious SOW
ereign banner of the United States. In
this banner they repose their trust and
believe that under it's protection the
Filipino people will attain all those
promised liberties which they are be-
ginning to enjoy.
THE country has declared unmis-
takably in favor of peace. So be it.
There has been enough blood. enough
tears and enough desolation. This wish
n onnnt no innnra1 NV fIn r%;Il ~
arms if they are animated by a desire
to serve our noble people. which has
thus clearly manifested it's will. So do
1 respect this will. now tina it is known
to me.
after nature elaboration I resolute-
ly proclaim to the world that 1 cannot
refuse to heed the voice of a people
longing for peace nor the lamentations
of thousands of families yearninG to
see their dear ones enjoying the liber-
ey and the promised generosity of the
great American nation.
by acknowledging and accepting the
sovereignty of the United States
throughout he Philippine archipelago,
as 1 now do and without and reserva-
ton whatsoever. l believe that I am
serving thee. my beloved ountry May
happiness be thine"
To signalize this important step in
the pacification of the country, Cen
eral Macarthur orders the release, on
swearing allegiance to the United
States, of 1000 insurgent prisoners.
Washington, April LIT is believed
by the administration that the mani
festo of A~guinaldo will have a decided
ly good effect both in the Filipinos and
in this country. 1t will take some time
for it's dissemination among the Fill
pinos, but it is expected to be Of con-
siderable service and to make more
rapid the improvement in the situation
which set in some time ago and has
become quite marked of late.
Especial qualification is felt at the
unreserved tone of the document and
the full acceptance it indicates of
American rule. This, it is felt, will
bring to the support of the government
many FilipinoS who, while wishing for
peace, have heSitated to assist the Taft
commission. In this country it is ex-
pected to reduce criticism of the adj
ministration n to cause less discus
sion of the central policy of the wal in
the Islands and more consideration OF
the important matter of the best adj
miniStration to be evolved for their
government.
1t is to this work that the Taft COM
mission is now bending all it's energies.
A~guinaldo, now that be has accepted
American sovereignty, probably will
be given considerably more liberty than
he has enjoyed hitherto. His services
will be used as far a. possible in the
p~acification of the islands. The extent,
however, to which he will be permitted
his freedom is for General Macarthur
to determine, with the assistance Of the
Taft commission.