Militarism in the Philippines:

3

BEAR FAVORABLE COMPARISON WITH THOSE OF OTHER COUNTRIIES.
They are dignified, courteous and reserved. If they mixed
with some of our Western Nations, I am satisfied that they-would, greatlychange in all respects.'
II.
Notwithstanding these exceptional qualities, Generals Merritt
- and Anderson experienced some friction with the Filipinos, who
complained of their conduct to the British Minister in Siam,
Mr. John Barrett, on the later, passing through Hong Kong.
Mr. Barrett replied that
HE RECOGNIZED THE GOOD FAITH OF THE FILIPINOS,
and did not hesitate to commend their appeal as an honest
~ expression of Filipino sentiment. - The said appeal was couched
in the following terms:
" \Ve, the representatives at Hong Kong of our countrymen
ofthe Philippines, appeal to the great good judgment of President
McKinley and the spirit of fairness and justice of the American
people, as always shown in their regard for the petitions of the
weak and oppressed.
" While the fate of the Islands is still undecided, and we are
doing all in our power
TO PREVENT A CONFLICT
between the Americans and Filipinos, waiting patiently for the
conclusion of the Paris Conference, we implore the intervention
of the President. supported by the will of the people, to
put- an end to the slights shown to our leaders, officials,
soldiers and people, by some of the American military and
' naval authorities and soldiers. We do not wish to do; Admiral Dewey and General Otis wrong, and we presume that, reports under press censorship will be sent broadcast, as they have, been sent hitherto, alleging that all tie mistakes made are ours,
and that the Americans are treating us most kindly, but we must
tell the truth for the best interests of both parties, depending on
the American President and people to see that justice is done.