New-York tribune., 1902-03-16
PEACE NEAR. SAYS FUNSTON
THE GENERAL TALKS ABOUT CONDI-
TIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
TBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE

Try TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
Washington, March 15.-Brigadier General
Frederick Funston. who is in Washington for
few days, had this to say this afternoon about
conditions in the Philippines:
have been away from the islands so long that
l fear l am not up TO date. At the time I de-
parted from there. December II last the war
was confined to the island of Samar and the
province or BatangaS. which is on the island of
LuZon All the rest of the archipelago al
most comparatively at peace, the insurgent lead
crs having come in and given up their arms. In
my old command, at the time l came away, I
think it safe for Americans to have gone
anywhere without protection Provincial gov
ernments had been established by the commits
sion, and they appeared TO be getting along Well
although not sufficient time had elapsed TO know
Just how we'll The provisional governors and
reasurers were Americans. The people in that
particular region, the fourth district of North
ern Luzon comprising six provinces, having a
population OF seven hundred and fifty thousand
while apparently not oVertriendlY to Americans
were seemingly Indifferent. What they seemed
10 want, above everything else, was peace.
The conditions in that district were a fair
sample of conditions in other parts of the
archipelago. except San7ar and Rataneas where
war continues to this day. All through the
sixth district little material damage is shown
TO have been done as the result OF the war. For
two years the fields have been cultivated. the
people have lived in their homes. and have gone
about their occupations without hindranCe. So
II Will be seen that there not a radical
change in the conditions from to peace
That country is freer from bandits than ever
under Spanish rule. Life and property are safer
than ever before. a great deal Of credit is due
the constabulary as well the army. The con-
stabulary has taken hold with the civil govern
ment and has captured killed many of the
bandits who caused 50 much trouble. Outside
of Samar and RatanEas the American troops
are merely doing garrison duty. practically the
same as the soldiers do the army posts in
the United States. There is practically no
scouting.
What is Aguinaldo's condition." General
Funston was asked.
"Aguinaldo is still in Manila. He would
scarcely be called a prisoner, Yet he is under
constant restraint. He lives in a house with his
family but he is seldom seen without. Were
he 10 leave the house 10 go about the city he
would be accompanied by army officer. But
he has never asked the privilege Of going about
the city"
General Funston took luncheon with the Pres
ident to-day after having been in consultation
with him for some time Earlier in the day he
called at the War Department and reported his
arrival to Adjutant General Corbin. He also
paid his respects 10 Lieutenant-Gener Miles
General Funston will remain in the city until
Wednesday, when he will 60 10 San Francisco
10 join his wife. II IS expected that Secretary
Root will return TO Washington on Monday. and
General Funston will then pay his respects to
his chief Nothing has yet been arranged with
regard to his future duties, but il is probable
that he will not be sent back 10 the Philippines
unless he wishes to go there.