Evening star., 1901-03-29
NOT UNDETERMINED
Disposition of Aguinaldo Main Topic
of Discussion.
DEFINITION OF PRISONERS OF WAR
Insurgent Chief May Be ExiIed to
Guam Like Mabini.
WHAT THE OFFICIALS SAY

Gen. Funstons capture of Aguinaldo con-
tinues to be the main topic of conversation
in military circles, with special reference
to the probable disposition of the insurgent
leader. Officials of the War Department
answer all inquiries on that point by the
statement that nothing has yet been deter
mined.
1t Is known, however, that the depart
ment would have regarded the capture of
Aguinaldo as somewhat embarrassing had
1t occurred a few months ago, and before
other prominent Filipino officers had been
captured voluntarily surrendered and
pledged allegiance to the government of the
United States. This Is on the theory that
the insurrection was very nearly sup
pressed while Aguinaldo was yet at large,
and his capture and Imprisonment cannot
be turned into martyrdom or used to en-
courage his partisans to fresh efforts
against the United States authority. If
AguinaldO so desires, of course, he will be
allowed to take the oath of allegiance to
the United States, but his disposition even
in that event will depend on circumstances.
The suggestion has been made that Aguin-
aldo may be sent to the Island of Guam
and held there military prisoner, just
as Mabini and other leaders are now held.
Who Are Prisoners of War.
1t is pointed out at the department that
AsulHdiup IL Htlu, as are Olner prisoners III
the Philippines under the terms of gen.
eral order. No. 100. issued in 1853 a section
OF which says:
"A prisoner of war is a public enemy
armed or attached to the hostile army for
active aid, who has fallen into the hands
of the captor. either fighting or wounded.
on the field OF in the hospital, by Individual
surrender or by capitulation.
'sAII Of u-h,
arms; all men who belong to the rising en-
masse of the hostile country; all those who
are attached to the army for it's efficiency
and promote directly the object of the war
except such as are hereinafter provided
for; all disabled men or officers on the field
or elsewhere, If captured; all enemies who
nave thrown away their arms and ask for
quarter, are prisoners of war, and as such
exposed to the Inconvenience as well as
entitled to the privileges of a prisoner Of
war
Moreover, citizens who accompany an
army, Tor whatever purposes such as sut-
Iers. EDITORS or reporters of journals or
contractors, If captured, may be made pris-
oners of war. and be detained as such.
me monarch and members of the hostile
reigning family, male or female: the chief
ana chlef officers of the hostile government
lts dlplomatlc agents, and all persons who
are OF particular and singular use and bene-
Mt to the hostile army or its government.
are, II captured on belIigerent ground and
II unproVlded with safe conduct granted
oy the captor's government, prisoners of
war. -
If the people Of that portion of an in
Naded country which is not vet occupied nv
the enemy, or of the whole country. AT the
approach of hostile army rise under a
duly authorized levy, en- masse to resist the
invader they are now treated as public
enemies. and, if captured, are prisoners of
war" -
Another section Of this order is also quot
Gu al the department as applicable to con-
ulions IN the Philippines If the military
authorities should deem 1t necessary
Armed or unarmed resistance bv citi-
Zens OF the United States against the law
IuI movements of their troops is Ieyyine
war against the United States, and is
therefore treason"
AgHfnaldO's Decreasing Influence,
The Importance of Aguinaldo as a factor
In the Philippine situation has been de-
creasing Tor more than a year and a half
past HIS capture early in the outbreak of
the insurrection would have been hailed
with even more joy than at present. The
same is true of the conditions up to about
year ago, when he disappeared from pub
lie view, and little or nothing was heard
or him. 1t has been claimed that his in
huence has steadily decreased and that the
Filipino generals no longer consulted him
regarding their movements their dealing
with the American authorities
Up 10 a year ago 1t is known that Apui-
HSiuo was frequently consulted, and some
or the higher officers refused to capituIate
because they felt bound to obey the orders
OF Aguinaldo to continue the fighting
While there was a general belief in the
department. that the pacifcation of the
fhlIlpplnes would have progressed whether
Agu1nald0 was captured or remained in
hlding, the definite opinion was also ex-
pressed that his capture would have con-
siderable effect in certain sections of In
zon' where ne was regarded as man of
influence and Importance