The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1912-03-23
CAUGHT II YEARS
AGO TO-DAY, NOW A PLANTER

Eleven years ago to-day Gen. En-
lilo Aguinaldo, dictator of the Filipino
republic, who for over two years had
made daily assaults on the front pa
ges of American newspapers, was
captured by Gen. Frederick Funston.
little more we heard of the brown
statesman and warrior, and then 81
lence, as ito use a favorite phrase
of the cub reporter-the grave had
swallowed him up. AS dead to the
world as Evelyn Nesbit Thaw or Dr.;
Cook, the former dictator is now said
to be a well-to-do planter.
I Except for the detection of one Of
his trusted messengers, Aguinaldo
might have escaped capture for many
years longer. 1t was one of the
body-guards of the willy little brown
skinned leader who revealed his hid
army of eighty Spaniards and natives,
who had been insurgents but had
joined the forces of the United States,
were captured with uniforms such as
We're worn by Aguinaldo's men, and
thus disguised set out to do by stra-
tegy what the whole of Uncle Sans
army in the Philippines had been un-
able to accomplish by force of arms.
About the middle of March, 1901, the
battleship Vicksburg landed the par
ty, headed by Gen. Funston and two
American captains, at the Bay Of
ficers played the role Of prisoners,
and were closely guarded by the bo-
gus insurrectionists, who were osten-
sibly under the command OF Col. Tai
piacide, a Taga1og, and Col. SageVla,
Spaniard. The natives along the
line of march were completely taken
in, and none suspected that the force
was not a part Of Aguinaldo's army.
Letters were sent ahead to Gen. Ag-
uina'do stating that the party con-
sisted of reinforcements sent by Gen.
Lacuna. From messages which had
been captured it was known that Ag-
gie' expected detachment of troops
from Lacuna, and the signature of the
latter was forged in announcing their
coming. When within a days march
from AguinaIdo's camp at Paianan
the impostor "insurrectionists be-
came exhausted from lack of food.
and word to that effect was sent to
the insurgent leader. Aguinaldo sent
a liberal supply of rations to feed
the men intent upon his capture. and
also wrote that the American pr1s-
oners' were to be treated with every
courtesy, but that they were to be
left where they were, under guard.
Even then, it seemed, the Filipino fox
had vague suspicious. Having eaten
their fill, the 'reinforcements" pro-
ceeded to Palanan, leaving Funston
and his subordinate officers to follow.
"A
when Col. Talplacide informed him of
the trick that had been played upon
him and placed him under arrest.
| Col Simeon Villa, Aguinaldo's chief
| of staff, made a dash for liberty and
was shot twice, one bullet shattering
his shoulder, before he gave up: DR.
Barcelona, treasurer of the Filipino
republic, also sought to escape, but
was captured. Major Alhambra, an
other of Aguinaldo's leaders, leaped
| through a window He was shot
| through the head, but, despite the
terrible wound, ran on to the river,
plunged in, and the muddy waters
closed over him. Aguinaldo was for
| ty-three years of age yesterday. He
| is said to have become quite prosper
Gus and to have acquired the fat
paunch that SO often accompanies
fairness of purse.
To- day is the birthday anniversary
of William Smith, noted geologist, in
1863; of Don Carlos Buell., soldier, in
1878; and of Schuyler Co'fax, vice
president under Grant, in 1873. Twen-
! ty-seven years ago to-day an insur-
rection broke out among the half
| Of Mt no n.