The Savannah morning news., 1901-04-03
he TAKES THE OATH
.c11NALDO sWEARS ALLEGIANCE
TO UNITED STATES.
WAS EASILY CONVERTED.
NAY NOW PROVE USEFUL IN THE
ARCHIPELAGO.

Macarthur Wires the News.
AmuinaIdO Has Been "Investigat-
tn. conditional and Has Relied
r,on the obstructive Advice" of
chsaf Justice AreIIano-He WiH
Not he Immediately Released,
,4oxvcver-Means End of Insurrec-
,ioD Saws a Member of the Admin
istratiOn.
Washington, April 2.-The War Depart
ment today received information from
Cen Macarthur that Aguinaldo has taken
tbe oath of allegiance to the United States
under the terms of amnesty offered by
zen Macarthur by direction of the Pres
ident.
The news came to the department in
the following cablegram:
Manila. Adjutant General, Washing
Ton. Since arrival at Manila, Aguinaldo
has been at Malacan investigating condi-
tions in archipelago. He has relied al
most entirely upon the Instructive advice
of Chief Justice Arelano. AS a result,
to-day he subscribed and swore to the
declaration on page II of my annual re-
port Macarthur
The oath referred to is as follows:
81 - hereby renounce all allegiance
to any and all so-called revolutionary
governments in the Philippine Islands and
recognize and accept the supreme author
ity of the United States of America there
in; l do solemnly swear that 1 will bear
true faith and allegiance to that govern
men,; that I will at all times conduct my
self as a faithful and lava biding citizen
Of the said islands, and will not, either dl-
recty or indirectly hold correspondence
with or give intelligence to an enemy of
the United States, nor will 1 abet, harDor
or protect such enemy; that L impose up
on myself these voluntary Obligations
without any mental reservations or pur-
pose of evasion, so help me God"
May Make Use of AguinaIdO.
Gen. MacArthur's dispatch contained
much more than was given to the public.
The portion withheld related to the fu-
ture disposition of Aguinaldo and made
suggestions as 20 what the late chief of
the insurreotion might accomplish. No
official statement could be obtained as to
what finally would be done with the pris-
9ner. but il was-emphaticaIly stated that
he would be held for the present, but
would be granted all possible immunity
consistent with existing conditions. Gen.
Macarthur has hopes that a great deal
may be accomplished through Aguinaldo.
During the time he has been a prisoner
ne has ms ie quite a favorable impression
upon Gen Macarthur.
1t has been suggested that under the
terms of the notice of amnesty the pris-
oners should be set at liberty al once but
there is a provision in the amnesty proc
lamation which says that those who have
violated the laws of war are excepted
from its terms Whether or not Gen.
Macarthur has satisfied himself that
Agunaldo has not violated the laws of,
war cannot be stated, as the prisoner
would be permitted to take the oath pend
ing an investigation of his past conduct.
Aguinaldo, having been the head of the
ihsurrection, undoubtedly can be held un-
til further investigation is made, or un-
I'll the circumstances which surround the
situation in the Philippines make it ad-
Nisaole 20 release him outright or other
wise dispose of him. These conditions
ana the general situation and Aguinaldo's
relation to them were the sub
Ject of Gen. MacArthur's dispatch
and are being considered by the
authorities who will have the final dis
position of the matter
The news of Aguinaldo's action was re-
celIed with evident satisfaction by the
war Department, and the opinion was
expressed that good results would follow
among those who have been still holding
out against the United States.
Means End of Insurrection.
Aguinaldo's taking the oath of allegi-
ance' said one member of the cabinet
to-day, emphasizes the importance of his
capture. 1t makes more clear that the
Hsurrection has about reached its end
ana foreshadows the early complete gem
eiaI acceptance of United States sover-
eshjy and authority. Only a compare
u'eiy small number of Filipinos are still
i'll arms and the effect of Aguinaldo's ac-
non on them is obvious. From now on
we VIII press forward, organizing the best
toNernment We can suited to the needs
vi Inc Philippines. Aguinaldos submis-
SION VIII have a considerable bearing IN
MS FAVOR, in the determination of the
matter of what to do with him. That
VIII not be decided for some time, and
Neh' Macarthur and the Philippine COM
mission meantime will deliberate careful
F over the question before reaching any
conclusions"
NAY Reduce Naval Force in East.
should the capture and submission of
u.e Filipino chieftain mark the beginning
". lhe end In the Philippines, as is ex-
pVtted, the effect upon the American
naval representation in Asiatic waters
"i' oe a very considerable reduction OF
4' naval force in the East. There are
az present about fifty-seven of our naval
aSels on the Asiatic station. A good
many Of them will now be sent home
~ lorn nuclei for new squadrons 1t Is
osslole that the European station, with
auquarters in the Mediterranean, will
oe 'eVVed, and also that the recreation
low. 'iN' S'"'io" Will ioi'