The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-04
AGUINALDO DEAD.
President Wheeler of the Uni
yersity Of California
Claims to Have 9eliable In
formation of the Fact.
THROUGH NATIVE BOYS
Says the Leader Has Been Dead
Six Weeks.
News Has Been Kept a Secret
by His Followers.

New York Jan. 4.-BenjaDin Jde
Wheeler, president of the University OF
California, who is now staying at the
Waldorf Astoria hotel, has received in
formation from secret sources in the
Philippines to the effect that Aguinaldo
is dead and that his death occurred no
less than six weeks ago. The news has
been kept secret by Aguinaldo's follow
ers. it IS said. for the purpose Of pro-
longing the rebellion, since it was be-
lieved that the news of the chiefs death
would cause such discourageme and
alarm that an utter capitulation would
result.
President Wheeler obtained this news
through several Filipino children who
have been placed in his care by their
parents. Two are the sons of Buencamina
a wealthy citizen Of Manila, who, before
the advent of the Americans in the
Philippines had been an active leader CT
rebellion against the Spanish. President
Wheeler also has in his charge the
children OF Midel, the governor of Min
danao and several other boys, whose
parents are of the wealthy class. II
speaking of the reported death of the
chief insurrectfonist, President Wheeler
said:
These boys of mine. as 1 may call
them, receive frequent communications
from their parents and friends at home.
The information which was obtained
concerning the death of Aguinaldo, I
understand. came from secret and trust
worthy sources and is probably true. The
father of two of these boys is Buencam-
ino. a wealthy citizen of Manila, who
before the Americans came was most
active in the rebellion against Spain.
understand he was a close friend of
Aguinaldo and has kept in touch with
that remarkable parsonage even after
Buencamino himself took a neutral
stand. Buencanino, however. did not
take a firm stand on the side of Ameri-
ca until recently.
These Filipino lads" continued Pres
ident Wheeler, are bright fellows and
most quick to learn. However, I can not
say that they have the staunchness and
solidity Of American youth. Before the
flag OF this country was raised in the
islands such boys as these would have
been sent to the schools of Spain for
their graduate studies. Now they come
to us. They have already received some
instruction at the hands of the Jesuits
at home. In order to fit them fer the
university it was necessary to place
them in preparatory schools. Other fam
lies are also making arrangements by
which their children will come to our
shores and benefit by our institutions
i
American thought and education car
ried to them. Almost every steamer
which leaves San Francisco for Manila
carries parties of teachers who are go
ing to posts in Philippine schools.
THE commercial bonds between the
Pacific coast and our Oriental possess
sions are growing stronger and greater
with every month. The people of San
Francisco have begun to think of Manila
as about as near to them as Chicago
Our transpacific trade, which is assum-
ing wonderful proportions, is only an
earnest of the great commerce that will
come to US in after years"
President Wheeler said that the pur-
pose of his visit to this city at this
time was to choose an architect for the
new school of mines of the university.
He said that the plans of the university
buildings which are to be erected at a
cost of from $8,000.0 900 to $4,000 600.
through the generosity of Mrs. Phoebe
Hearst have now been revised and that
great economy has been assured by the
change The presidents house is already
being built, and the school Of mines is
to be built as soon as an architect is
chosen to perfect the detailed plans.