The Washington times., 1902-03-07
PATTERSON'S QUERIES
IRRIfATB GEN. HUGHES
Republican Members Take
Part of the Witness.
Army Officer Discussed Object of Anti
Insurrection Conferences With
Aguinaldo.

General Hughes was put under fire
of cross examination yesterday by Sena-
| tor Patterson, In the hearing of the Sen
ate Philippine Committee
The questions asked by Mr.. Patterson
caused General Hughes some irritation,
| and the Republican members of the COM
mittee toek sides with him against the
! minority member at times in rather
heated discussion.
Military Prowess of Filipinos.
Mr.. Patterson took up the line Of his
enquiries ON Wednesday, with the pur-
pose Of establishing the fact that the
Filipino army had effectually held the
Spanish army within the lines of Manila,
before the Americans had interfered; and
he spoke Of the surrender of 1000 Spanish
troops to the insurrectos in July, 1898.
THAT would only make me believe"
was the generals explanation that the
Filipinos had cut off the supplies from the
Interior
+ Mr.. Patterson read an extract from
magazine article written by General Mer-
rift. TO the effect that Aguinaldo had cap
tured 1000 Spaniards. and he asked the
general whether that fact would modify
his opinion as to the military incapacity
of the Filipinos.
Not at ALL" he replied.
Question Ruled Out.
Mr.. Patterson enuuired as to General
OTIS motive in requiring the withdrawal
OF hguinaldo's troops from Manila to the
line designated by General Merritt. This
enquiry was objected to by Mr.. Beveridge.
who said that that point had been settled
the day before
y discussion between the members of
the committee resulted, and finally the
chairman (Mr Lodge) ruled against the
question, on the ground that General Otis
was In the city and could be examined on
the point. The witness, said the chair
man, might be asked as to the effect of
the order. but not as to the motive for
making il.
10 n question by Mr.. Patterson whether
whatever pace and good wifi existing in
the Phlllpp1he Islands, outside of Manila
from july. 1888, to February. 1899, was not
entirely due TO the Filipinos. General
Hughes replica that, in many cases the
preservation o! order depended upon the
Spanish padres who had more influence
than any natives had in the various COM
munities.
AS to whether tse Filipinos would ac-
cept independence. Unless accompanied by
a protectorate. Geneial Hughes said thai
they would not commit themselves to the
United States. They first wanted indie
pendence, he said. and then they would
arrange for protection-America being
considered along with The other Powers
Object Of Conferences.
Being questioned as to Conferences with
the Filipinos, and as to What their de- /
mands were. General Hughes said that
they never could be got to lefine what |
concessions they desired. short &C. abso-
lutte independence
Did | understand you to say" Mr.. |
Culberson asked, that you went into
these conferences in order to give time
for the arrival of re-enfCrcements to The
American army"
Il did my best to delay them" as,the
reply.
For that purpose"
For that purpose"
WAS there ever a moment in those |
conferences when you were authorized to |
concede anything"
Certainly not"
when they asked for some concessions. |
was not that for something short Of what |
had been offered"
Yes"
At this point the committee adjourned
until tomorrow.