The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-02-25

PHILADELPHIA. Feb 25-First Lieut..
Thomas J Powers. of the Twentieth In
fantry. [. S A q son of the late Thomas
J. Powers. who recently returned from the
Philippines. relates some interesting tales
concerning AguinaIdo and his elusive fol-
lowers Lieutenant Powers saw much ser
vice in the Philippines. taking a i'romi-
nent part in nearly all the important en-
gagements-
According 10 his view of the present
conditions of affairs in the far-of posses
sions. the whole trouble is being caused by
rowing bands of Filipin0s. These bands
are not affiliated with the more civilized
natives. but keep to themselves. inhabit
ing isolated sections of the country. The
members all belong TO a secret Organiza-
ton known as the Katurpanan Society.
The origin of the society dates back 20 the
time when the Spaniards first invaded the
island At that time the society was prac-
ticaHy peaceable in its aims and purposes.
Their only object in banding together was
for the wild pleasure they derived from
their fanatical ceremonies With the ad-
vent of the naughty Dons, however, the
society, for its own protection, was com
PEELED to adopt new measures.
With their characteristic reckleSneSs
and cruelty the Spaniards swept over the
island, leaving a trail of blood in their
wake. This wholesale slaughter aroused
the members OF the society to degree Of
frenzy. and steps were taken TO hold
special council of war. The meeting was
subsequently held and during its progress
al oath was taken by every one present
II is entirely due TO this oath, Lieutenant
Powers believes, that this country is IN
able TO end the war in the Philippines The
oath taken by the sayages was to the ef-
feet that everyone present was, al every
opportunity 20 kill as many white men as
possible. Every individual with white
skin. irrespective Of nationality OF afilia-
JiOu, was placed under Ahe ban. That this
oath was put into effect and closely adher-
ed to is evidenced by the terrible losses
sustained by the Spaniards during their
stay on the island. No white man, it is
said. has ever been present at the meetings
of the society. the rites being known only
10 the members.
The Katurpanans have peculiar ceremo-
MES and. as with their more civilized
brothers their order possesses a various
number Of degrees. each Of which is eX-
pressed by different geometrical signs.
The chief symbol is a triangle, diverging
from the centre Of which are number of
rays. This sign Is sometimes manUfact-
ured in badge form, but is most frequently
cut out OF white cloth. These signs can
only be acquired by a long noyitiate
through the various degrees. The geo
meUrical sign can only be handled by per-
sons knewn as witches" The latter are
always persons of extreme age, and they
are honored by being permitted TO confer
the sacred emblem These witches, or
sages. as they are more commonly known
TO the whites, are generally persons whose
reason has deserted them and who are
hopeless imbeciIes. Their senseIess gibber-
ing Is regarded by the ignorant natives as
being an indication of wisdom The sages
are never held accountable for any in
sane acts they may commit They are al
ways forgiven on the ground that their
act was due by the superiuous amount of
wisdom they possess
Since the present trouble in the Phil
pines the members Of this fanatical So
ciety and their half-wiIted sages have
been creating havoc on the islands. Their
sole desire IS to exterminate white men
Already several missionaries and other
men engaged in peaceful pursuits have
fallen victims TO their insane crusade.
According to Lieutenant Powers the
average native is q peaceful and law
abiding individual We're It not for the
existence Of the rowing bands Of Katur-
panan mUrdeTers, Lieutenant Powers
states. the rebellion in the Philippines
could be brought TO a speedy ending. As
i is, these bands Of pluDderers hold full
sway on the Islands, and their complete
determination, he declares is the only
thing that viii settle the difficulty Their
ayowed intention Of killing every white
man they encounter is still put into ef-
feet, and many American soldiers have
fallen Victims to their fanatieism-