Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-02
SLEW TWO NATIVES
AND TORTURED
A THIRD
REPORT is FORWARDED To,WAR
DEPARTMENT DECLARING ACT
OF SOLDIERS WAS
MURDER.

WASHINGTON, May S1.-The secretary
OF war has transmitted TO the senate COM
mittee on the Philippines copy OF re-
port made by ]. G. Livingston, governor
of the Philippine province OF Lorsegen'
OF the killing by soldiers Of two native OF
ficials Of the town Of Santa Magdalena, OF
that province. One Of the men was the
presidente OF the town, named Yaidro Gal
lanesa, and the other policeman.
The secretary of the town, one Quintin
CAN'T, also was tortured for the purpose
OF forcing a confession from him.
Governor Livingston says that native
who was trusted by the American authori-
ties was sent to the town TO spy out men
connected with the movement known as
the "Anting Anting' movement; that he
arrested them and took the men with
their papers before the presidente, and
that while all were there, detachment OF
troops under a corporal entered and ar
rested all as insurgents. They were then
taken before Lieutenant T. w Harker,
of the Fifteenth infantry, who put them
70 work on the streets. The report con-
tinues:
THE next day the presidente and CAN'T
were taken out in the woods and hanged
until their feet were nearly off the ground
and were asked IL they would talk to
which they replied that they would, natur-
ally. They were returned TO Matneg,
where the secretary was az 4ltcNAyiNA
by Lieutenant farker as TO the conduct
and character CT the presidente, giving,
according TO his (the secretary's) state
ment, satisfactory answers. He was re-
turned to the Jail, and later he. with the
presidente and Ciriaco Fumes, a policeman
OF Magdalena, were again taken to the
hills, being compelled to carry a rope. a
pick and a spade, and on reaching a GER
tain spot the presidente was put 20 work
digging what would appear to be grave.
Then the presidente was bound and shot
in the back. The secretary states he saw
all OF this himself and also saw the po-
liceman bound III the same way and
little later heard shots which he presum-
ed were fired at the policeman, as he was
also killed"
The report also says:
"It Is claimed that the presidente and
policeman attempted to escape, and the
soldiers concerned have made affidavits to
this effect. but 1 believe this to be abso-
lutely untrue"
Upon careful consideration of the whole
question: from my knowledge of the con-
ditions existing at the time and from my
personal knowledge of those most directly
concerned, I am forced to the opinion that
the original order for the arrest of these
men was absolutely unwarranted, possibly
due TO neutrality-suspicious. and over-zeal-
business on the part OF the corporal; that
the two prisoners killed did not attempt
10 escape and that their killing was muir
der"
Enclosed with the governors report are
affidavits Of the private soldiers who shot
the presideute and also an affidavit from
a native prisoner. saying that the presi-
dente had allowed him to escape for pay.
There Is also a report upon the case by
captain of the Fifteenth infantry, Captain
i. Wittenmeyer. as follows:
IT wish to call your attention to the
fact that at the time this occurred, some
400 prisoners had been captured, most of
whom were members of the 'Anting Ant
ing society. and have no doubt that this
presidente was a member Of the gang. 1t
Is a fact that cannot be disputed that
company OF 'Anting Anting' from Magda-
lena was in the Tight at Gait, September
9TH. and some Of their wounded were cared
for by their presidente and his subordin-
ates. There is no. doubt in my mind but
that he was guilty Of melting and sus-
tanning insurrection and opposition against
the United States forces"