THE CAPTURE OF AQUINALDO.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 25 April 1901, Page 4

THE CAPTURE OF AQUINALDO.

How it was Effected.

(Ptr E.M.S. Sonoma a 1: Auckland.) San Francisco, March 20. The capture of Aquinaldo is regarded merely as one of the closing incidents of the war in the Phillippines. The affair was conducted with some gallantry, and General Funston, who is credited with having planned and executed the details of the capture, is rather popular hero of the hour. General Funston conceived the idea of pursuing Aquinaldo in his remote hiding place, and by the aid of forged letters, and aided by treachery to the rebel leader of some persons in whom he trusted, all wont off os projected. The Americans went into the insurgent camp in the guise of prisoners of the insurgents and once inside 'General Funston threw off this pretence, and began giving orders, which resulted in the capture. A quinaldo was at first much excited, but grow calmer when ho learnt that no bodily harm would bo done him. He was at once carried to Manila, and it is at present hoped, both there and at Washington, that the Ffipino leader, who has proved himself a brave and able man, and a moderating influence amongst his people may bo induced to issue such prod umtion to his countrymen as may be of great aid to the /jraeiicans at the effort at pacification of the islands. It is too early to determine what action has been decided on in the promises, but officials at Washington have discussed the matter informally, and unite in the disposition to be as lenient as possible, if the ctnduct of the prisoner is such as to warrant such tactics. There has been talk of sending Aquinaldo to Guam, but some one of the Hawaiian Islands may be selected instead, if it appears desirable to exile the Dictator of the Philipinos. Many officers of the Insurgent army have 'surrendered, and the laying down of arms has gone on to such an extent, that the war has become little more than the hostility of bands of illy-armed people, who have been driven to a half savage mode of life by the destruction of homes and crops. , The end of the war is earnestly desired by all parties in America, and it is believed ;

that American occupation will soon mean financial and educational expansion, rather than the Haunting of military power.