The Oskaloosa herald., 1901-03-28
HE RISKS HIS LIFE.
Gen. Funston Is Trying to Capture
Aguinaldo.


which promises to be the greatest
and most romantic achievement of
his eventful career. In January, from
his hiding place in the province of
Isabella, Aguinaldo wrote letters
matchmaking the subchiefs who
had taken the oath of allegiance to
the United States. Later, Aguinaldo
ordered insurgent forces in southern
Luzon to join him at rendezvous in
Isabella province. phe rebel officer
Entrusted with these orders secretly
negotiated with the Americans. On
securing necessary information Gen.
Funston planned Aguinaldo's capture
and, with Gen. MaeArthur's authori-
cation, Gen. Funston proceeded two
weeks ago to make the attempt.
Gen. Funston, with Surgeon Major
Harris; Capt. Newton, of the Thirty
fourth infantry; Lieut.. Admire, of
the Twenty-second infantry; Lieut..
Mitchell, of the Fortieth infantry;
six veteran scouts and a company of
native scouts, all picked men, en-
barked on the gunboat Vicksburg
and were landed on a remote beach
above Baler.
Details of the Plot.
1t was arranged that Aguinaldo's
emissaTy, with the native scouts,
should pass themselves off as insur-
gent troops who, having captured
Gen. Funston and others, were taking
them as prisoners to Aguinaldo.
At the right time, when brought be-
fore Aguinaldo, Gen. Funston was to
give a signal, when the tables were to
be turned and Aguinaldo was to be
seized. Six days march into the
interior were contemplated. Treach-
cry was considered possible, but
every precaution was taken. The
troops in New Vizcaya and New
Ecija and the gunboats Vicksburg
and Albany were to cooperate with
Gen. Funston's force. The Vicksburg
is expected here.
Col. Rosario, with 81 men and Sc
rifles, has surrendered to Col. Bald
win, of the Fourth infantry, at San
Francisco de Malabon, Cavite prov
ince.
Lieut.. Dean, of troop c, Sixth cav
airy, has engaged a force of insur
gents at Tubig, Lagunda province,
killing several of them and capturing
seven men and "a rifles.
Favorable News from Philippines.
New York, March 25.-A special to
the Press from Washington says: Adj
vices from the Philippines are so en-
couraging for peace that the war de-
partment is considering the advisa-
bility of reducing the garrisons in the
archipelago. The reoTganized army
win be recruited to the full strength
of 100000 men, but it is believed that
future requirements will not compel
the administration to maintain this
maximum.
About 10000 regulars will be entitled
to their discharges in the current
year. 1t is proposed to let these sol
diers return to their homes and to not
fill their places, Thus the army can
be reduced to 10000 men in perfectly
natural way without interfering with
its discipline or effectiveness.
Causes Serious Embarrassment.
New York, March 25.-A special to
the Herald from Washington says:
Serious embarrassment has been
caused the administration and the de-
of the Philippines has been
retarded by the legislation prohibit
ing the cutting of timber on tae pub
lie lands of the archipelago. As the
forests are on public lands the gov
eminent, under a strict Interpretation
of the law, would be unable to author
ize the telling of tree to provide the
planks necessary for the construction
of a new house or the repairing of an
old one. If a gunboat were to lose a
spar and her commander desired to
replace it he could not take il from
the public lands without violating the
law. Not only is the sale or lease of
timber prohibited, but the sale or lease
or other disposition of public lands
and the granting of mining rights are
made illegal.
The Intention of Congress.
This legislation was directly con-
trary to the wishes of the president
and Secretary Root, who are con-
WINGED that in order to promptly de-
yelop the islands the introduction of
capital is necessary. Sec,
rotary Root does not believe that con-
gress intended to curtail the privileges
Of the people of the islands, and it is
believed he will hold that the presi-
dent is authorized to grant forestry
Capt. G. P. Ahern, Ninth infantry,
who has had charge of the forestry
bureau of the Philippines, reports that
the public forest lands comprise from
one-fourth to one-half of the area of
the Philippines, or from 100000 to
40 OOO 600 acres