The age-herald., 1901-03-30
'K|NLEY AND
 HIS CABINET
 u AGUINALDO. Disposition of the Rebel Chief a Vexed Question OFFICIALS WILL BE LEN|ENT Funston's Reward Mas Also Discussed But That Matter Will Be Allowed To Rest Where It Is for
 While.
OFFICIALS WILL BE LENIENT

Washington, March %. The cabinet meeting today was devoted almost en- tirely to the discuss,Jn of the capture of. Aguinaldo, its effect upon the military situation in the Philippines, the disposi- ton to be made of the insurgent chief and the reward to be given General Fun ston. The subject was considered in all its phases, but no definite conclusions were reached either with regard to Gen. eral Funstons reward or the punishment of Aguinaldo.
 The President and all members of the cabinet are in favor of the most liberal and substantial recognition of the serv- ices performed by General Funston.
 There was some discussion of the ques- tion of making him a brigader general in the regular army, but it was thought that full reports should be awaited be- fore action was taken. The matter will probably be allowed to rest where it is for the present.
 General Funston is holding a volunteer commission as brigadier general, which will not expire until Junt 30 of this year, so that, as far as honor and emoluments
  prejudiced by the delay.
 Disposition of AeunaIdo.
 The disposition to be made of Aguinal- do was a matter that could not be dis posed of definitely. Whatever action is taken in regard to him will originate with the army officials in the Philippines, and be passed upon finally here. There is no inclination to deal harshly with the man who has led the instruction against the forces of this country. Some of the cap inet officers think it is possible that ne may be used with good effect by the au- thorities of the Philippine commission in the establishment of civil government. General MacArthurs suggestion that Az uinaldo might issue an address advising the insurgents to accept the situation was pointed to as indicating possibilities along this line. On the other hand Agu- inaldo's record has not been such as 10 win for him great confidence in ms ccnstancy, and if he cannot be utii1ed safely. he undoubtedly will be sent to some place where he can foment no Iur- ther trouble. Guam was mentioned as possible place for his detention.
 The view of the majority of the cabi- net was that the time is not yet ripe to decide what course should be pursued in the disposition of Aguinaldo. It Is felt that some little time should elapse to permit an opportunity to deliberate care fully over what course would prove the wis est whether he can be of any service to the United States government by re- n.aning at Manila and exerting his int fuence in the direction of police, whether it would be dangerous to permit him to remain so close to the field of insurrec- tionary activity, or whether even it would be best to send him among the other in surgent prisoners on the Island of Guam.
 Will Deal Leniently.
 There is no disposition to deal other wise than leniently with him. but there are various questions that will have to be considered in the case, as for instance, whether he personally instigated assas- sinations of Americans and similar of lenses, which some of the members of the cabinet feel should call for some pen atty It cannot be too emphatically stated that the administration will avoid giving the captured leader any basis for posing as a martyr The transporting of him to Guam will receive serious considerations One Senator who called at the White House today suggested to the President the advisability of transporting Aguinal- do to some place like Tutila, in the sa- moan group, where, 1t was pointed out, ne COulu De hepl at d OiSthiSc rum NiS scene of his old operations and where he could be in a climate of which he could make no complaint. .
 The trend of views expressed by the cabinet indicates that ultimate transpor- tation to some place of confinement out side the Philippines was the course most likely to be adopted.
 The President and his cabinet believe that the capture of Aguinaldo will mean much in the crushing of the insurrection. Indeed they are inclined to believe now that 1t means the utter collapse of the opporsition to the authority of the United States.