Evening star., 1902-03-06
Did Not Like the Questioning
Of Gen. Hughes.
SHOW OF SOME TEMPER
SCENE IN THE PHILIPPINE COM
MITTEE ROOM.
Mr.. Patterson's Pressing Interroga-
Supported by Mr. Lodge.

Gen Hughes gave further testimony be-
fore the Senate Philippine committee today.
Mr.. Patterson resumed his questioning
which Yesterday led to a sharp coloquy In
the committee room between the witness
and himself In an endeavor to establish
the fact that the Filipino army had eHec-
lively held the Spanish army within Its
lines in Manila prior to the arrival of the
American forces Mr.. Patterson referred TO
the surrender of 2.O0o Spanish troops to
the insured ction forces in July, 1898. Gen.
Hughes said that the incident would only
make him believe that the Filipinos had
cut off the supplies from the interior.
Senator Patterson quoted from a maga-
zine article by Gen. Merritt, published In
July 1899 in which he spoke of the army
under Agunaldo, which, he said, had been
an important factor in the situation which
confronted the United States army, and
which had waged a desultory warfare
against the Spanish, resulting in the cap
ture of 1000 prisoners
Does that modify your opinion?' asked
Mr.. Patterson.
Not at all" said Gen. Hughes who fol-
lowed his answer with the question, Docs
he state that these prisoners were SOL
diers?
presume he means soldiers was Sena-
tor Patterson's response
1t was brought out that most of the
prisoners taken by the FllipinoS were not
spanish troops
Objection to the Question.
Senator Patterson again inquired as to the
motive of General Otis III requiring the
withdrawal of Aguinaldo's troops from Ma
MIA to the line designated by General Mer-
ritt. Senator Beveridge promptly objected
saying it was not fair to ask General
Hughes what General Otis meant.
Senator Carmack and Senator Culberson
claimed the right to ask the question and
Senator Patterson insisted that any senator
has right to respectfully ask witness
any question pertinent to the subject under
discussion.
Senator Lodge ruled that personally he
had no objection to the question but he did
object 10 one officer criticising a superior.
Senator Culberson said he wanted to an
nounce his absolute dissent from the propo.
sition that a committee of Congress is pre-
cluded from asking question on this sub
ject, the answer to which might be crltl-
clsm of a superior officer.
This is a mere regulation Of the War De-
partment,' said Senator Culberson. that
one military officer shall not critciSe the
conduct of his superior"
Senator Patterson expressed the opinion
that the Filipinos understood from General
Otis letter that they either had to with
draw or fight. He then questioned General
Hughes regarding the conference held be-
tween General Otis and representatives Of
Aguinaldo as to the manner in which Agui-
, naldo would be consulted in the matter OF
securing peace, whether he should be re-
ceived as a commissioner of the Filipino
government or simply as general, but
General Hughes declared that he was not
present at any of these meetings.
Wishes of the Filipinos.
In answer to a further question by Sena-
tor Patterson as to whether the FflipinoS
would accept independence unless it was
y,ia1 Iy-a nf no
kind by the United States. General Hughes
said that at a conference held by him with
representatives of the insurgent army in
Manila they would not commit themselves
to a proposition of a prOtectOrate by the
United States They first wanted independ-
ence he said. and after that they would
arrange for the protestorate, America be-
ing considered along with the other powers.
The peace and good will, General Hughes
declare which existed in the Philippines
outside of Manila from July. 1898, to Feb
ruary. 1899. We're due not to the Filipinos
but TO the Spanish padres.
Reverting to his conference In Manila.
General Hughes said he was unable to get
Aguinaldo's representatives to define to
him what concessions they desired short Of
absolute independence. although they In
sisted that they must have something def
mite to take back to the 10000 men who
were virtually investing the city, because
unless they did they would be unable to
hold them in check You knew at that
time" inquired Senator Patterson, that
you could not grant what they were ask
ing?"
Il was unable to get them to decide what
they wished except absolute independence.
which, of course, we We're not authorized to
give responded General Hughes.
Senator Patterson-"Do you want this
committee to understand that these COM
missioners, representing the Philippine
army, did not want independence If 1t was
accompanied by the withdrawal Of the
American feet?'
10 md
that they wished protection"
Senator Patterson-"I will ask you to
answer my question yes or no."
Gen. Hughes Nettled.
This nettled Gen. Hughes somewhat
who turned to the chairman. Senator
Lodge. and asked If he was bound ito
answer according to the gentleman's die
tation."
Senator Lodge, with much emphasis re-
piled: NO. You can answer the question
In your own way.
Senator Patterson-'I want to know If
he will answer yes or no.
Senator Beveridge again interposed an
objection TO Senator Pattersons demand
for an answer yes or no." saying 1t was
not proper under any circumstances.
ST nator Patterson maintained that he
had perfect right to ask the question
and wanted to know of Gen. Hughes If he
would answer 1t more directly and more
specifically.
Senator Lodge said the committee Lad
no right to dictate to the witness how he
shall answer
Senator Patterson-"Do understand that
however evasive a witness may be l can
not ask for q more direct answer?'
Senator Lodge-'You are attempting &c
compel his answer. / think his answer
was direct"
II do not think 1t was" quickly respond
ed Senator Patterson.
Mr.. Lodge remarked that 1t was q diff
ference OF opinion.
The Question Repeated.
Senator Patterson then repeated his