The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-04-03
Club should be en,ouraSgd TO push the
work to complete success,
AGUINALpo TAKEN.

| otll EEdnNisVo EAaiiAHNi,
The capture Of Aguinaldo presents
itself in two aspects-as brilliant and
dramatic feat Of arms, and as politi-
cal event OF the first magnitude,
It is naturally in the first aspect that
Funstons exploit most vlvidly strikes
the public mind. There are few pnral-
lels to the daring audacity of the plan
and the superb nerve and skill Of its
execution. General Funston has per-
formed a feat that seems better fitted
for tn stage than cor real lie, It is
me iiaeval--it would have suited the
days when knighthood was in flower"
Such a situation as he carried through
with success would make the fortune OF
a Gillette drama and We shall be sur
nrised il this idea does not thrill some
Of our next seasons audiences.
1t was especially gratifying to know
that the ruse by which Aguinalio was
can,ured was a perfectly legitimate
piece Of strategy There was no be-
rayal Of confidence on the part OF the
Americans. Funston went after Agui-
naldo as a prisoner and enemy who had
the right to turn the tables il he could.
Frederick Funston has carmel his
brigadier- -generalship in the regular
army. It is true that his promotion
would give him after three years a
rank that many officers have worked
thirty years to attain. II is true that
he has no; had the advantages OF a
West Point education ana that he has
not passed through the lower grades
of the army.
But West Point and the regular system
Of promotion have only one end-to in
sure the presence Of the right man in
the right place When We have found
the right man for command by the
infallible competitive examination of
war it would 1e folly to set him aside
because he has not gone through the
mill that is the only available subsu-
tute for it in peace.
Politically, the capture may have the
desired results. It certainly will If it is
properly handled by the adminlstra-
tion. I, is already greeted in Europe
as the end Of the war. II Agulnaldo
lean b. so treated as TO convert him into
friend, the whole fabric Of the revolt
will collapse. II is quite possible that
this may be effected in Manila. Now
that Aguinaldo IS where he can see
what has been accomplished in the way
OF the paciication Of his people, he
may be brought 10 heed the peace move
ment if General Macarthur and the
Philippine commission show him that
Americans know how to be magnani-
nous in victory.
But if he still prove 10 BE- irrecon-
cilable al home, he ought to be brought
TO America and given a course of'treat-
ment here. Not imprisoned in a dun
geon-still less hanging or shooting. as |
some stupid savlges at Washington
nave suggested; but such treatment as
made Cervera an enthusiastic friend Of |
the American people.
Let him be brought across the con-
tinent and allowed to see the power, |
greatness and the good will Of the coun-
try that offers him share in its mighty |
Then let him BE- taken to.
and there let President
Mckinley exert on him some Of those
attractions that disarmed
Democratic opposition IN the late session
Of congress.
1t is said that no man is able 10 visit
the White House and leave it an enemy
Of the president When Aguinaldo took
to the jungle our representatives at
Manila We're trying to catch Filipino
flies with vinegar. Let US try them now
with a little White House molasses.
At the military tournament in New
York City he other night the house
arose to Joseph Wheeler, L. s. A. The
time was when he. after years Of war
against the United States, was hunted
and captured by United States troops.
Aguinaldo is young enough to see the
time when he may be signing general
orders or acts Of the legislature under
the stars and stripes.
WIT A 4 n A |