The Philippines.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 131, 2 April 1901, Page 3

The Philippines.

In an interesting article published in Truth last month, it was stated that matters in the Philippine Islands were rapidly assuming tranquility. Doubt was expressed as to whether there were more than three or four thousand hostiles then in the field against tbe Americans. “ Some of these men,” said the writer, “ belong to the former insurgent army, and the others are banditti of the sort that has been ravaging the Philippines for a hundred years. Aside from the fact of Aquinaldo selling out to Spain, his Congress and the officers of his Government represent substantially only one tribe—the Tagals- and were largely appointed by himself. It is doubtful whether any of the other tribes or peoples of tbe Archipelago would agree to Tagal domination. It is certain that the vast majority would not, and that tbe islands, in the case of the Americans withdrawing, would be plunged into anarchy. The Maccabebes, living side by side with the Tagals, regard them with the bitterest animosity. The Tagals joined Spain and the Americans against them. The writer does not think it is for the sake of independence, of liberty, and the welfare 6f his bleeding country, that Aquinaldo and his followers are keeping up the conflict. I think rather that it is that they may rule the land. One grpat purpose in Aquinaldo’s mind, which is quite understood by most of his -fellow Filipinos, is the confiscation of the- enormous property belonging to the religious orders. The spoliation of the priests and the monastic orders is one of the things only prevented by tne presence of American soldiers.”