Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-04-26
AGUINALDo

Mention il made from time to time in the press
dispatches of Emiloi Aguinaldo, former Filipino
general: Usually the mention is quite brief. One
dispatch recently stated that Aguinaldo, who had
been chosen honorary chairman of the Philippine
independence commission to the United States,
would be unable to the mission to this
country, but would join it later.
Agulnaldos name was at one time familiar
10 the people OF the United States, but that was
twenty years ago, and a new generation has arisen
since that time. Today the younger people know
little about the man, and even those of the older
group may have some difficulty in recalling lust
what he did to achieve prominence and what has
become of him.
Aguinaldo was one of the leaders Of the F;,;n;no
instruction against Spanish rule Just prior to on,
war with Spain. The Filipinos welcomed the
american intervention as it rid their country Of
spanish authority, but a group of the Younger and
more ambitious men could see no reason why their
country should not step Immediately from the STAT
us of a Spanish dependency to that of an indenend-
ent republic. A paper republic was created. with
Agulnaldo as its president, and this "republic" de-
manded instant recognition from the United States.
ne United States had assumed obligations for
" nch II was responsible not only to the millions
OF inhabitants of the archipelago, but to, all civil
1zation; The Filipinos of Aguinaldo's party con-
stituted but a small fraction Of the population. and
inhabited a restricted territory. Scattered through
the islands were a dozen races, with several dozen
Sc se spash1e languages and dialects, ranging from a
" FlNC InOStE nfifnf .
tive savagery. Many Of these tribes were at war
with each other, and nearly all of them with the
f1l1pinos: The abandonment Of the islands tn thr;r
new se1,consttuted rulers would have meant a
tto1 OF Dloodshed and the ultimate acquisition Of
1ne territory by some other power. The United
states refused to recognize Aguinaldo and his gov
eminent, and the latteriprecipitated the Philippine
war by attacking American troops stationed in
lnzon. Aguinaldo, titulaf head Of the "renubl;c"
assumed the position Of general Of its armies. and
iora long time he waged warfare against the Amer
isans. Ultimately he was captured BY General
rreo funston, whose stratagem in performing that
teat has become historic. -1N1s
Agu1naldo remained in captivity for a time. and
was later released on parole. To his credit Il NAV
De SAID that he has kept faith with the Americans.
ana for years he has been = respected and prosper.
Gus business man in the city Of Manila. HE'S An
advocate Of Philippine independence. But Ne had
|conhnedS his work in the interest Of that Cause "a
reason. and argument, and has never been connect
go with any Of the nurperous sporadic attempta a
revolution which have been started At times sby iH-
advised persons sS
Years ago The Herald published the trxt 81 /
proclamation in Spaniel promulgated ~ 5ASr;n-
.Ldo ~ president Of the Filipino republic tic orig
Iinai having been found .posted on ! tee besid1 4
Luzotz trail ~ andrew Bertramson, 1 Grand Fofks
soldier who was later forennanSo OF The Head nevs
RON. The proclafiation was addressed to az ~
ltlye resident, and prescribed i Esta 81 very seusible
regulations for their conduct.
Aguinaldo q eskttine son I'D years. ne has one
|gl mort childrenN bsinS edAc4ted Sin he United
EStates md III YSelati6ps Wiith khhis country IN sc
'tass mesf seesaa agfl9Ee g@4s