The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-04-26

Manila, April ga representative of
the Associated Press visited Aguinaldo
this afternoon at No. Sc Solane street
whittier he was removed from the Mall
acanan, and found him in a large
room up stairs, furnished with a table.
a type writing machine, three settees
n twenty chairs. His wife who was
entertaining a numbe- of Filipino wo-
men friends, sat al one end uf the room
while Aguinaldo, smoking a cigar and
chatting with Benito Legardo, occu-
pied the opposite corner.
Other present were Lieutenant Col
onel John S. Mallory, Of the Forty-first
infantry, who has charge of
Aguinaldo. Lieu. Gilbert A. Youngberg,
of the Third artillery, and Mr.. Fisher.
General MacArthur's private secretary.
Aguinaldo, whose bearing was cour-
teous and dignifed. was dressed in
white and looked well, and, altogether,
made an excellent impression. Legar-
do, who but recently returned from the
United States. was telling him about
the trip and he seemed intensely inter-
ested, smiling frequently and asking
numerous questions. He inquired par
ticularly as to what President McKin-
ley said and seemed anxious to know
what was thought Of him in the United
States.
he was rather reluctant to talk for
publication and considered every ques-
ton carefully before answering. He
said he was doing all he could to assist
In the pacification of the Philippines
n expressed himself as surprised at
what the Americans had accomplished.
When he was first captured, he went
on to say, he was greatly aStOnished to
find that a majority of the Filipinos
entertained the opinion that American
sovereignty was preferable to indepen-
dence, out he was inclined to believe
that way himself. He explained that
since the dissolution of the insurgent
congress n the declaration of guer-
rilla warfare the chief had operated
to all intents and purposes independent
ly. They recognized MIN as command
er-in-chief, sending him reports occa-
Sionally, and he issued some orders;
but for the last seven months
cation had been difficult and he had
been almost disconnected.
Il am now urging in the strongest
possible manner" said Aguinaldo, that
all insurgents III surrender and
swear allegiance to the United States"
He expressed the opinion that Tinio,
Lucban, Malvar and other representa-
tive insurgents will surrender a. soon
a they Ear come to understand the
nature of the amnesty offered them.
He said he hoped that When the work
of p~acification was complete and con-
situations were settled, the prisoners
| in Guam would be released.
After referring in grateful terms TO
the courteous treatment accorded him
by the military authorities. he declar
ed his conviction that the civil govern
ment which would follow pacification
would realize the highest hope of the
Filipino people.
When questioned regarding the re-
port that he would visit the United
States, he replied that he would ike
to do so. but he had made no plans as
yet, placing himself entirely at the dis
position of the United States govern
ment.
In concluding the interview he OBJ
served: Every word in may address
to my countrymen the F~flipinos, came
from my heart. l hope n Americans
believe me thoroughly sincere in my
efforts to secure peace and under Amer
lean auspices TO promote the welfare
and prosperity of the Philippines.