The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-04
FIRST FILIPINO in
UNCLE SANS ARMY.
Interesting Story Of His Career
and How He Came to Be an
Officer Of the Scouts.
PLEASED + IS! With AMERICA nc;
His Observations, After Some
Months Residence Here,
Quite Unique.
PLEASED With AMERICA
ny MRS, Fl. II. SMITH.

When the United States troops under
General Young made their first trip UP
Islands, in March. 1900, at the small
town Of Boawan, the officers were en-
tcrtalned by an affable little brown
man who assured him he was their
friend. But having been disappointed
many times In assurances like this.
they did not believe him. It was not
until after General Young had marched
on to Vigan and established headquar-
ters there that surprising rumors were
heard OF the good work that was being
done by this same native, Slgnor Girls
pulo Patajo, now Lieutenant Patajo, of
the Philippine Scouts.
Feeling sure then Of the sincerity OF
his friendship, General Young sent for
him to come to Vigau, where he was
| fifteen natives. This was practically
the beginning Of the present organi-
cation known as the Philippine Scouts.
but In no way did It resemble the dap
per little body Of soldiers seen at the
Worlds Fair. They wore no uniforms,
had no drills, but were kept busy going
about tne country gaining information.
frequently being able to capture rifles
and other contraband articles.
1 Signor Patajo remained on duty in
/ vigan until General Bell, who had sue
ceeded General Young In command, was
ordered to Batangas, where he was
taken to give his little help In tho sub
DUNG of that disturbed province.
/ His work continued to be satisfac-
tory, and upon the organization Of the
Scouts and their arrangement into
i Regularly numbered companies, Girls
pulo Patajo, on the 26th Of February,
1909, was commissioned a second lieu
tenant. From then until the 22d of
March, 19O7 when Y gnacio Abellno was
made q second lieutenant, Lieutenant
|. Patajo enjoyed the distinction Of being
the only Filipino wearing the uniform
. and drawing the pay OF an officer in
!, Uncle Sans army. When four COM
!, pan!es OF scouts were picked to rep
resent the Philippines at st. Louis
Lieutenant Patajo, although not be-
!, longing to any Of those companies, was
detailed as one Of the officers to 40.
: company them. And all during his
visit to America, when necessarily hi
had many temptations, as he was Z
: flattered stranger In strange land
: his conduct remained exemplary.
, His personal history, although com
mon to many Filiplnos, is still very
l interesting. He was born in the small
town of Boawan, in 1875. He received
/ a good education In one OF the numer
] GUS converts In Manila, and on leaving
. school became quite prosperous mer
chant, trading between Manila ant
Iloilo. When the Filipinos revolte'
against the Spanish authority in 1895
e Lieutenant Patajo was one Of the frs
: to raise a company TO shake off tn
took the Philippines In 1898, he, wit
q the majority OF his coun trymen, wa
st against them. However, seeing til
i good results OF American occupation
and more strongly seeing the evil re
Is suits following the government OF tn
Philippines by the class OF Filipinos /
. authority. he realized the only saliva
: ton for his country was in having tn
governing power in the hands of
. strong nation, ouch as the United State
was proving herself to be. He had n
d sooner left the Filipino camp than hi
good work for the United States begat
= On the 18th OF November, 1899. he CAV
information to Colonei Hare. command
= ing the Thlrty-third Infantry, that re
= suited in the capture OF Buen Canine
j, Filipino Secretary of State, in Agu1
= naldo's cabinet, all OF Aguinaldo's pei
sonal baggage and part OF his famll.
: together with 1000 Spanish gold do
lars.
10 Just before leaving for st. Loul
: Lieutenant Patajo was married to
II very pretty little Filipino girl, VIII
remained at home to complete he
~ education In a convent In Manila.
!, was a passenger on the stean1e
! when Lieutenant .Pata1o was returnln
home, and became very interested !
| his career. saw him again In tt
Philippines number OF times. He
. his officers uniform and his wife
@ her native Filipino costume, which col
y slsts of long skirt. very short, Low
II necked 'camisa," with large ''panuela
10 or sort of neckerchief. no gloves, !
" hat, no hose. and with 'chnellas' {
q Sandals made q very unusual sight.
% wrote him on one occasion asklr
at some of his Impressions of Americ
~ and received the following letters: