New-York tribune., 1902-01-05
TREASON IN PHILIPPINES.
ASKING SOLDIERS TO DESERT
AND JOIN INSURGENTS

Washington, Jan. 4.-The War Department
has received from the Philippines copies Of
a remarkable proclamation, signed with the
OF nine Amercans-seven of them said
to be in the United States military service-in-
viting American soldiers to desert and join the
ranks of the Filipino insurgents. The text Of
the document is as follows:
To Whom II May Concern.
Dear FelloW Countrymen: After many months
among the Filipino people, studying their customs
The coneusi0n that he time has arrived for us TO
hreak the silence ana let you know the real truth
lighting these people, who defending their
same manner in which our forefat hers did against
Englan1d in those Elori2us days Of our grand and
since tne day We We're led Py our conscience ana
have received the best Of treatment and
@nJoXns T ling life Of HxGry without 9aYng f to put ut
the American ranks lighting for an unjust cause
rs It did the Spanish Notwithstanding that they
knew the country and customs of the people better
For aboyS mentioned reasons and alsq & that the the
themselves to the Philippine authorities as we dd'
uphoding the policy of Washington and the Monroe
anS bn the fo amR2gs @ PoGy b @ 9
this cruel war spiling the innocent blood OF thou
To MI the pockets of Mark Hanna and several
years. and are now. ruling America to-day; or, "a
"Ihfr words changing Your blood i3r e G9g eo anG nr
husband thereby making once happy nome SAD
Before close let US tell you that in nearly Z,
can present yourselves with or without your rifles,
and To avoid danger il is best to hide It in a Sc.
cure place. and after you have presented yourself
inform the Filipino officer chief of the guerillas
and they will recover it and pay you some money In
With this We conclude wishing you the best of
We remain yours most sincerely.
HARRY HoRAL ALTMAN Company X ,,., ,..,..s
JOHN BLAKE TrumPe'er. Company - 2Nth Ini'eo
FRANK L. CLARK, Company F 21st United States
J. THOMAS KREIDBR Corporal. Ssth United states
CHARLES BUoIiANAN, Company b 2sth Volunteer In
HARRY RICHTER. 9Th United states Artillery.
G@IdARLEH @ WRIGHT, Hospital Corps
JOHN RYAN, 4th Regiment
John T. Kreider. one of the signers Of this
proclamation tried recently by military
commission IN the Philippines, on a charge of
treason, and the records of the court martial
have just been received at the War Department.
The preponderance Of proof. said General Chat
fee in reviewing the case. in favor Of the
contention OF the accused that ne held by
the insurgents prisoner. ana took no part
in operations against the United states, gave no
aid and comfort TO the enemy made reasonable
efforts TO escape. and was compelled by his cap
tors under legal duress TO sign the above proca-
nation b. threats of violence in case he refused.
While no reasonable intent or overt act is es
tablished against the accused by competent evil
dence," said General Chahee, 1t. however. re-
mains to be remarked that It Is the duty OF
every American soldier to face impending dan
ger of death rather than sign a reasonable
proclamation. even If IL be prepared. was the
one in this case, by the enemy. Nor should he
do any other act that might have even seem
ing Of giving the enemy encouragement. The
true soldier not only takes the risks OF battle
but ali other risks of life growing out OF any
and all incidents Of war, and accepts the chance
OF life or death rather than do auEht to injure
his cOuntry's cause or dshOnOr the uniform he
wears"
OF the charge of treason. and sentenced him 10
confinement at hard labor for life, but General
Chaffee because of the absence OF conclusive
proof that the accused had committed overt
act necessary to Consummate the technical Of
fence Of treason, disapproved the sentence and
ordered the prisoner. set at liberty.