The Washington times., 1902-07-06
GUAM PRISONERS
MAY SCORB FREEDOM
Said to Object to Taking
Oath of Allegiance.
AMNESTY FAILED BEFORE
Overtures Made to Mabiri Refused on
Two Occasions - Political Effect in
United States of Civil Government in
Philippines-Chafee's Return.

1t is believed in official circles here
that number of the former leaders
Of the Filipino insurrectioa, now held
as prisoners at Gram. Will decline to
accept the amnesty offered by President
Roosevelt in his Fourth OF July proc
la nation.
| II Is pointed cut that a similar proc
lamaticn was issued a year ago by the
| Philippine Commission, and that tho
principal irreccncilabies at that time re-
fused to take the cath of allegiance
upon which their freedom was made con-
tIngent.
The proclamation CT the President
merely extended the time limit of the
amnesty from May /. 1851. 20 May /.
1902. The same ccndition-that of TAX
ing the oath of allegiancc-is laid
down.
Mabini Refused Freedom Twice.
Mahini was offered mis- freedom imme-
diately after his capture. If he would
acknowledge tie sovereignty of the
United States. fie refused. Later when
general amnesty was proclaimed By tho
Commission. he again refused. as did
several OF his companions. 1t is
scarcely expected, by these who know
him. that he Will submit now; and it is
altogether likely that his example will
be followed b. others.
General Chaffea's Work Done.
With the ending OF military rule in
the Philippines, General Chaffee's work
there is ending. and he will probably
return to the United States within the
next few months. That he desires to
do so. feeling that he has had a long
siege of active service and has wound
1t UP satisfactorily. is known to the
War Department. Both the President
and the Secretary OF War are anxious
to give him an opportunity for leave.
When he does come he will be sue
ceeded as commander of the Division
of the Philippines by Major General
George W. Davis. This has been de-
hnitely decided.
Bearing on Politics.
The asce=ieiley OF the civil over the
military government in the Philippines
will 1t is believed by Republican poli-
result in favorable national
sentiment in regard to the Philippines
by the time the Congressional elections
are held
The President. before he left the city
Thursday expressed the opinion that tho
triumphant manner in which the Phil
Ippine policy was eliminating success
'ully would have great effect on the
country between now and November.
But ii possible tie Democrats will
make the Philippines the issue in the
Senator Ca-mack seems 20
hink that best results can be secured
oy continuation CT Democratic attacks
1r the army. He said yesterday that
airy methe ds employed in the Philip
,ines should have been continued during
he recess. The testimony unheard by
he Philippine Commission was most i'm
'ortant, he insisted. and would tell Of
,reateT outrases than have been brought
ut up to date
Friar Lands Negotiations.
While the inner forces of the negotia-
ions for the sale OF the friar lands in
he Philippines are unknown to most
eople. the general idea of securing tho
ands honorably, and of doing away with
he influence which the Spanish monks
nd friars had over the Filipinos, mects
;ith general approval. All eyes at the
Var Department are turned to Rome.
here Governor Taft awaits the Vati-
ans answer to the note containing tbs
'nited States proposition, under which
is hoped TO acquire the church prop