Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-23

by that church, and that these custodians
must not be interfered with. On the other
hand, IL any abandoned churches or other
property were neglected and found without
any person in charge the bishops and
clergy of the independent church would be
supported in the right to occupy and use 1t
for religious purposes. The governor again
explained the attitude of the administra-
ton. which was that of non,interference
except to prevent disorder and injustice.
Aglpay expressed his appreciation of the
governors candor and the hope that there
would be no further trouble. So far as he
was himself concerned, the government
could rest assured that there would be no
interference with the rights and privileges
of others, or that the peace would be In
any way disturbed.
Under Surveillance.
There is a decided difference OF opinion
as to Aglipay's loyalty. He is constantly
under surveillance. The officials of the Sc
cret service know everything he does, ana
thus far. they tell me- he has done nothing
to excite their suspicious. although some
of his associates and coad1utors in the IN
dependent church movement are on the
blacklist and are constantly shadoweu by
detectives. Not long ago. when there was
disturbance in one of the provinces OF
LuZOn, Aglipay was consulted by the ON
GERS of the constabulary, and gave them
some valuable advice and information. He
volunteered to exercise his influence In the
disturbed districts and 1t was effective.
At other times he has rendered similar
service to the constabulary. which the oH-
Gals acknowledged with appreciation, Dut
it is the unanimous opinion of those who
have made 1t their business to observe him
that the Independent church Is more OF a
political than religious movement: that
Aglipay Is encouraged and assisted by all
the disconnected elements, and that he is
attempting to perfect an organization
throughout the entire archipelago when
may be used in opposition to the govern
ment at any time occasion may arise. While
Aglipay is not considered competent
leader, while he has not yet developed any
great strength Of character or executive
ability, he is nevertheless capable OF DOING
great mischief by perverting the minds OF
the ignorant people and exciting dlstrust
and discomfort with the administration
Support Of the Government.
Like the lawyer whose ideas Of indie
pendence explained the other day. Aglipay
takes a very broad view of the meaning OF
President McKinley's and Gov. Taft's shib-
boleth. THE Philippines for the Filipinos.
He interprets 1t as meaning that all for
eigners must go, so that the natives may
enjoy monopoly of the good things that
exist therein. Gov Wright, like former
Gov Taft takes an optimistic view or TINS
attitude and the situation 1t has created
He believes that Aglipay and others who
are associated with him will gradually be-
come convinced of the futiilty or their
plans and settle down contentedly under
American administration. Gov. Taft con-
siders that the government is under obl1ga-
lions to them for the tranquility 1t enjoys
al present. Il know 1t, and have probably
as good an opportunity to know it as any
one" he said recently, for without their
aid and influence a state of anarchy would
still continue here, and might easily De
aroused again. Without them we could not
have reduced the army from 10000 to 1900
men, and the number of military posts
from 600 to 100''
Nevertheless, both Taft and Wright be-
lieve that Aglipay will bear watching.