Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1901-04-06
CITIZEN AGUINALD0.
Captive Filipino Leader Takes the
Oath of Allegiance.
NOT TO BE LIBERATED AT ONCE.

General Macarthur VIII Probably
Keep the ex-LeRder Under HIS Eye
and Use Him An LoysIiking the
Remnant of the Insurgent Forces.
Washington, April 3.-The war de-
partment yesterday received informa-
ton from Gen. Macarthur that Emilio
Aguinaldo, the leader OF the Philip
pines insurgents, who was captured by
Gen. Funston on March % and brought
to Manila on Thursday of last week,
has taken the oath of allegiance to
the United States under the terms of
amnesty offered by Gen. Macarthur by
direction OF the president The dis
patch conveying this information con-
tanned much more than was given to
the public. The portion withheld re-
lated to the future disposition of Agui-
naldo, and made suggestions as to
what the late chief of the insurrec-
ton might accomplish. No official
statement could be obtained as to what
finally would be done with the pris-
oner, but It was emphatically stated
that he would be held for the present,
but would be granted all possible i'm
munity consistent with existing condi-
tons Gen. Macarthur has hopes that
great deal may be accomplished
through Aguinaldo. During the time
he has been prisoner he has made quite
a favorable impression upon Gen. Mac
Arthur.
1t has been suggested that under the
terms OF the notice of amnesty the pris-
oner should be set at liberty at once,
but there Is a provision in the amnesty
proclamation which says that those
who have violated the laws OF war are
excepted from its terms. Whether or
not Gen. Macarthur has satisfied him.
self that Aguinaldo has not violated the
laws OF war cannot be stated. as the
prisoner would be permitted to take the
oath pending an investigation OF his
past conduct. Aguinaldo, having been
the head OF the instruction, undoubt-
edly can be held until further investi-
CATION In made, or until the circum-
stances which surround the situation
In the Philippines makes 1t advisable
10 release him outright or otherwise
dispose or him. These conditions and
the general situation and Aguinaldo's
relation TO them were the subject OF
Gen. MacArthur's dispatch and are be-
Ing considered by the authorities here.
who win have the Anal disposition of
the matter. -
+" The taking of the oath IN itseIf IN
regarded as giving Agstinalior a status
OF loyalty to the United States quite
Inherent from those still in arms. The
war department authorities say that
onsnses against the articles of war. ex-
ceptsd ,tE the proclamation OF amnesty.
refer to murders and like depredations.
Only recently I'VE Filipino ofIicers were
executed for such offenses. It Is not
known here whether Aguinaldo was
responsible In any case OF such Of
lenses. though from the fact that Gen.
Macarthur allowed him to take the
oath or allegiance. It is assumed that
the commanding general does not hold
Aguinaldo to be chargeablo with a vio-
lstion OF the articles of war. II Is be-
lieyed Gen. Macarthur will keep the
ex-leader'under his eye and avail him
seif or the good Offices OF Aguinaldo in
loyalizing the remnant OF the Insurgent
forces.
AS having an important bearing on
the case of Aguinaldo the war depart-
ment has received a copy of the rebel
CHIEFS last proclamation. A significant
paragraph is as follows:
All guerrilla chiefs, as soon as they
capture any armed American citizen
shall take him into the interior at once
and shall communicate with the chief
or the nearest American detachment
urgently requesting the exchange, of
prisoners at the rate Of one American
for every three Filipinos of the enemy
who are condemned to death. II said
American chief should refuse TO make
the exchange requested the American
prisoners shall be shot, whatever be
their number"
Should the capture and submission
or the Filipino chieftain mark the be-
ginning OF the end in the Philippines
as Is expected, the effect upon the
American naval representation In ASH
attic waters will be a very considerable
reduction OF our naval force In the far
east. There are at present about 81
OF our naval vessels on the Asiatic sta
tion-a greater number than ever be-
fore has been modified there and in
Guiding some Of the finest battleships
cruisers and ironclads in our navy.