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| Emilio Aguinaldo. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, September 17, 1898.
AGUINALDO IN POWER.
Philippine National Assembly Inaugurated.
NO BUSINESS TRANSACTED.
The Insurgent Leader Interviewed and Reveals the Pact That He is Hardly the Proper Person to Preside Over a New Government. Spanish Atrocities.
MANILA, Philippine Islands, Sept. 17.—The Philippine National Assembly was inaugurated at Malolos with great enthusiasm. There were thousands of visitors from all the provinces and a great display was made. Aguinaldo at 9 o'clock in the morning entered the hall of the old convent recently occupied by the Spanish local government. It is an extremely plain room, adorned only with some religious pictures. The insurgent leader was in evening dress according to the Spanish custom. The others wore ordinary costumes.
Aguinaldo, who was received with cheers and also with cries of "Viva America!" by the large crowd of natives inside and outside the hall, read a decree convening the members who included several Spaniards. He next read a message eulogizing the army and thanking the friendly nation which had set the historical example of liberty and had assisted a down-trod race. Continuing, Aguinaldo urgently and eloquently exhorted the assembly to "follow the noblest principles" and invoked the "spirits of the martyred Filipinos." The assembly then adjourned for the day.
A Spanish delegate suggested that business be resumed in the afternoon, but a Filipino objected and accused the Spaniard of attempting to undermine the constitution. To this the Spaniard replied that he was a sincere republican and that his only desire was the welfare of the country. Thereupon the Filipino apologized and the proceedings terminated.
During the afternoon many Americans and Europeans arrived and Aguinaldo was kept busy receiving visitors, including the American consul.
Aguinaldo is extremely unwilling to compromise himself with the natives. He said that a majority of the Filipinos had been struggling for freedom for years and centuries and that they now believe that object has been attained.
Aguinaldo professed entire ignorance of the autonomous systems in vogue in the British colonies, of protectorates and of American state autonomy. He said he was unable to understand the ideas and only understood "absolute independence." Personally he believed a protectorate for the Philippine islands was necessary, but he feared that the people would be disappointed in this. He had not studied political economy and knew nothing about the various forms of government. He inquired whether Australia was an American colony and said he had never heard of a Malay protectorate.
Continuing, the insurgent leader said there was no need of protection for the Philippine islands, because the Filipinos were able to cope with any army. He admitted that he had never seen a foreign army, with the exceptions of the garrisons at Hong Kong and Singapore, and he had never seen those troops on parade.
Aguinaldo declined to discuss the American army and professes undying gratitude to the Americans. He said they had come to the Philippines to fight the Spaniards only, and now that they had finished the task, it was to be expected that they would return to America. He was unwilling to believe that the Americans would demand a reward for an act of humanity; and he declined to admit the necessity of a quid pro quo.
The Filipino leader expressed himself confident that the newly founded government would build a navy ultimately. In the meantime, he said, the great nations should protect and aid a young nation instead of grabbing her territory. If the Americans should refuse to withdraw, the national assembly, he said, must decide the policy to be pursued—a policy which he declined to forecast. General Aguinaldo was interviewed by a dozen American journalists and one Japanese.
A Spaniard, supposed to be an officer un-uniformed, traversed the town sneering at and denouncing the principal Filipinos. On his resenting a friendly remonstrance he was placed under arrest.
Several Filipinos state that they have personally witnessed horrible tortures at Iliolo—the feet of natives held to a candle flame for hours, electric currents applied to the most sensitive parts of the body and various unnamable atrocities—all intended to extort confession. This is scarcely credible; but there are numerous alleged witnesses of such outrages and several will show scars of recent origin and unhealed. Some say they escaped only through bribing the Spanish officials.
It is natural that there should be a yearning for revenge upon the Spanish prisoners at Malolos, but these are not maltreated. Several are at perfect liberty, having peaceful employment and apparently quite content to remain.
MILITARY NOTES.
Brief Telegrams Relating to Our Conflict With Spain.
There are now 600 sick soldiers in the general hospital at Montauk Point. During the past 12 hours there were two deaths, the victims being Frederick Helm of Company G, Eighteenth regular infantry, from typhoid, and Walter Noyes, Company H, Sixteenth infantry, from dysentery.
A suitable place for burial in Porto Rico for those of the United States forces who have already died and may hereafter die there, has been secured near Ponce, and a reinterment of the bodies will begin at once.
It is reported that the Spanish peace commission will be composed of Senor Montero Rios, president of the senate; Senor Villarrutia, General Cerero, General Azcarraga and Senor Urgaiz, but further changes are possible.
General Otis cables that no further force is required at Manila; health of command satisfactory; insurgents remaining quite, and that business is reviving.
The Spanish evacuation commissioners in Porto Rico have agreed to begin the formal withdrawal of Spanish troops within the next two days.
As a precaution against yellow fever, Spain intends landing her troops from Cuba and Porto Rico at different places.
General Miles is much improved and his physician thinks he will be attending to business again in a few days.
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| Captain General Ramon Blanco. |
THE POLITICAL PRISONERS.
Blanco Would Release Them to Forestall Gen. Lee.
NEW YORK, Sept. 17.—The World has the following from Havana: General Blanco is reported to have cabled a strong suggestion to the government in Madrid that he be empowered to effect the release of all persons confined in Cuban prisons for political offenses. He desires to make this his final act before the abandonment of the island. It is plain that he wishes to do this to forestall just such action by the Americans as soon as they come into possession. Every one here believes that General Lee will be in command of the army of occupation. His feelings in the matter are well known and it is quite certain that his first undertaking would be to release all the men and women now confined in LaCabana, the Recogidas and the prisons on the Isle of Pines and in Matanzas and Cienfuegos.
If General Blanco is permitted to take the action for which he has asked permission, he will simply deprive General Lee of the pleasure he would experience in emptying the prisons. There is no telling now what the action of the home government will be on Gen. Blanco's suggestion, but it is believed it will be favorable and that all the political prisoners will he free by the time the American army marches in.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
To Hold the Philippines.
The peace commissioners representing the United States sailed from New York to-day. They carry to Paris the terms on which the United States will conclude a treaty of peace with Spain. These have been determined by the president and his cabinet, as to essentials. Questions will arise, doubtless will be brought up by the Spanish commissioners, which will have to be referred to Washington. They will not affect the main issue. This, it is understood, the president has outlined in definite form.
The protocol disposes of Cuba, Porto Rico and the Ladrones. Spain relinquishes authority over them, and is to withdraw its forces at once. It has been intimated, through ministerial and newspaper utterances in Madrid, that the debt incurred by Spain in its war with Cuba—the Cuban debt it calls it—will have a place in the peace settlement, and that demand will be made for compensation for improvements made in Cuba and Porto Rico under Spanish rule. In other words, Spain will contend that its surrender covers only the land, forests and fevers of the islands. The public buildings, fortifications and armaments are to be settled for. Of course, such contention will not be entertained by the American commissioners.
The Philippines will afford the main subject of discussion. And this, if the intimations that are given of the conclusions reached by the president are well founded, will be decided in advance. The American commissioners will inform the representatives of Spain at the outset of the demands of our government and that no deviation can be entertained. These demands are believed to be that Spain's rule in the Philippines cease; that the United States annex the island of Luzon and will dictate the form of government of the rest of the islands, if it does not annex them all.
The president at one time favored the retention only of a coaling station, or Manila and its bay, at most. He has watched expressions and manifestations of public sentiment on the subject, and is said to have become convinced that the nation demands that the Philippines be retained. The argument of duty also has had much weight with him. This has been urged abroad as well as at home. The oppressive, corrupt, medieval rule of Spain having been broken, the United States cannot permit its re-establishment in the islands. It therefore will take of them what it wants, and assume responsibility before the world of giving the rest good government.
Edison's Projectoscope.
One of the most soul-stirring incidents of the war just closed, was the raising of the Stars and Stripes at Cavite. The detested red and yellow stripes, emblematic of cruelty, clung to the pole in a limpish, sickly manner, afraid to give way to its noble successor. But the bronzed hands of a sturdy American grasped the rope and down it came. In its place up went the Stars and Stripes, with an accompaniment of a chorus of lusty shouts and hearty cheers, from the brave boys who fought so gallantly to preserve the honor of Old Glory. The very elements seemed to be proud of the newcomer, and instead of hanging limp and dead-like to the pole, the breeze took it in its loving embrace, and the Star Spangled Banner was waving over another land [Philippines] of the free. This and many other pictures will be shown by the wonderful Edison's projectoscope this evening at the Cortland Opera House in conjunction with Pickert's Comedians.
MR. CHAMBERS IMPROVING.
Directions That the New House Shall be Pushed Forward to Completion.
Reports to-day from Mr. Garry Chambers at McLean, N. Y., are favorable and it is believed that unless inflammation sets in he will recover.
George Allport, who is building Mr. Chambers' new house, has not yet received the letter which was addressed to him and was found in his hat at the hotel Thursday night, and it is altogether probable that it will never be delivered now. Mr. Allport has, however, received a letter from Mr. Daniel E. Marsh of Ithaca, Mr. Chambers' nephew, directing him to go on and finish the house, and the work is being pushed just the same as before.
Mr. Allport said to a STANDARD man to-day that Mr. Chambers was one of the best men to work for he ever knew. He was at the house a good deal, and was always polite and courteous in the extreme to every workman about the job. He said to Mr. Allport soon after the work started that he knew he was there a good deal, but he didn't want Mr. Allport should think he was there to watch things for fear that anything was being slighted. That was not it at all, but he had considerable leisure time at his disposal and he liked to see things go on and see the work progress. Mr. Chambers was at the house Wednesday afternoon and Mr. Allport never remembers seeing him more genial and sociable and perhaps talkative than that day. He gave to him directions as to what to do in several matters that might come up within a week or so, saying that very likely he would not be around at the time that these things were to be decided upon and settled. Mr. Allport cannot help thinking now that he then had in mind his action of Thursday afternoon and was preparing for it in all these minor details.
GEORGE A. BROCKWAY.
What The Hub Says of the Homer Carriage Manufacturer.
The September number of The Hub contains a fine half-tone cut of Mr. George A. Brockway in connection with its reference to the annual convention of the Carriage Builders' National convention which is to be held at St. Louis Sept. 20, 21 and 22, and says:
Mr. George A. Brockway, vice-president for New York state, is at the head of one of the largest wholesale carriage manufactories in the state. The business is located at Homer, N. Y. It was started by his father, the late William N. Brockway in 1875, and the son who was associated with him up to the time of his death in 1889 continued the business under the old name, William N. Brockway, in accordance with an arrangement made prior to the death of the senior. Employment is given to about 200 men the year round, turning out about 3,500 high grade vehicles annually. George A. was born in 1863, and since he has been managing the business it has been prosperous even through the seasons of depression, and an enviable reputation has been established for the vehicles produced.
BREVITIES.
—The annual reunion of the One Hundred Fifty-seventh regiment, N. Y. Vols., will be held at Canastota on Monday.
—Mrs. B. C. Winchell entertained the Ladles' Missionary society of the Congregational church yesterday afternoon at her home on Madison-st.
—The Christian Endeavor society of the First Baptist church will be glad to welcome all students of the Normal to a reception for them Monday evening.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Levi Butler, Cortland Howe Ventilating Stoves and Ranges, page 6; McGraw & Osgood, School Shoes, page 5.
—The Kirmess [hospital charity] rehearsals will be held at Collins hall and will commence on Monday next at 2:30 o'clock. Those whose rehearsals are appointed for that day will please note the place and time.
—The Y. M. C. A. meeting to-morrow afternoon at 8:30 o'clock will be a mixed meeting for both ladies and gentlemen. Normal students are specially invited. The address will be by Rev. J. L. Robertson.
—This morning the truck of the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. was placed in the corporation barn and the old hook and ladder truck was placed near the First Baptist church. This precaution is taken while Main-st. is torn up so that in case of fire, either side of the town, a truck will be in readiness.
—Members of the University Center are reminded to make special preparation for the meeting of next Monday night, as it will be of a conversational order and questions will be freely asked and are expected to be answered by the members present. The questions of course will be confined to the lesson assigned or to thoughts growing out of it.
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