The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-04-19
A LIFE FOR A LIFE
THE MURDER OF AMERICANS
 SHOULD BE AVENGED.
When a Soldier Was Assassinated by Natives, Bell Orders Were to
 slay Filipino Selected by Lot.

Washington, April 1S-The Secretary of War has placed in the hands of the Senate Committee on the Philippines d large number of orders, circulars ana reports bearing on the conduct Of mill tary affairs in the unpacified provinces or the Philippines. The following are the most noteworthy points involved:
 On December 2i. last, Captain W. E. Aver, Adjutant General of the s:xtietn Brigade, with headquarters at Tacloban, Island of Leyte, issued circular to the station commanders in Samar in which the conviction was expressed that the wealthy classes. or ''pudientes, among the natives were while professing friend ship toward the Americans. more respon- sible than any others for the continuance
 of hostilities. Under such conditions, ne
 said, the only course to pursue would be one that would create in the minds of all a burning desire for peace-a desire or longing so intense, so personal, so real
 that it will impel them to join hands with
 of that end
 Announcing the policy of the brigade
 he said it would be from this time or
 to wage war in the sharpest and most decisive manner possible, adding: By cry native, whether in arms or living ir the pueblos or barrios. will be regarded and treated as an enemy until he mas conclusvely shown that he is Al friend Suspected persons should be apprehended and if there was not sufficient evidence to convict, they should be held as mill tary necessity.
 This direction was made especially ap- plicable to priests.
 February 22 19G, Captain Aver an nounced that the brigade commander,
 General J. II. Smith, had become con- vinced that active opposition had crun-
 bied away and saying As we have in
 the past compelled them to respect our
 prowess in arms, we must in the future compel them to respect our generosity of
 heart toward d vanquished foe and our
 purity of purpose in waging war upon
 their misguided leaders and their fol-
 lowers. Henceforth. then, it must be the
 labor of our officers and men to assist
 the loyal natives in repairing the ravages
 of war. Watchfulness and kindness
 henceforth must go hand in hand"
 A copy of letter from General Chaf-
 fee to General Hughes is devoted to com
 ment on the Baiangiga massacre and dwels on the lack of proper precautions
 against attack, saying: II would not trust 50 per cent of the male popula tion and they must not be trusted It is our
 duty to suspect every male inhabitant in these islands and the proof of any error in this regard must rest with them. not so much in words as by action. which
 cannot he misunderstood. While do moi urge tnhumane treatment of any person
 in these islands. 1t Is necessary that WIG be stern and inflexible and both officers and men must be cordially supported in their duty in this regard.
 The full text of Commander i.ukban : order congratuisting the people on the result of the Balangiga massacre k giv- en. He says that seventy-fve Americans were killed and no natives; that the night lasted only five minutes. He asks other communities 10 emulate the example. Ou December Q i99i General J. r. Bcif conimah hdIng the Department of Ratan- gas. issued an order to station command CTS. urging a hold policy in pressing the war to conclusion and making the people want peace and want It badly. The letter warns the commanders agains the deceit and craft of the wealthy na- tives and especially against the influence of the priests, of whom he says:
 Every native priest in the province of Batangas and Laguna is a secret enemy of the government and in active sympa- thy with tho insurgents. These are ab- solutely our most dangerous enemies be- cause of their unequallcd influence. In another circular General Bell, after saving that the only effect of the henev- olent policy of the United States on the natives has been to cause them to be come arrogant and scornful, adds: "The brigade commander. therefore. an nounces that wherever prisoners or un. tives friendly to the United states gov ernnent are murdered or assassinated for poiiticaI reasons and this fact can be establishing it Is his purpose to cX, ecutc a prisoner of war to be selected bv lot from among the officers or promi' ncnt citizens held as prisoners Of war and chosen when practicable from those who heIong to the town where the murder or assassination occurred.
 Especial warning is given against loot