garrison such a number of places as will permit all inhabited localities being reached by frequent patrols. This is not said in disparagement of the numerous educated Filipinos, who are extremely desirous to see thorough and consistent order maintained, but rather in corroboration of their sentiments. The past year has witnessed the extermination of bands led by Rios in Tayabas and Laguna, San Miguel in Bulacan and Rizal, Modesto Joaquin in Pampanga, Roman Manalang in Zambales and Pangasinan, Protacio Flores in Pangasinan, Timoteo Pasay and the Feliz brothers in Rizal, Dalmacio and Rufo in Western Negros, Flores in Misamis, Anugar in Samar, Concepcion in Surigao, Colache in Sorsogon, Encarnacion in Tayabas, and numerous others of lesser note. The following "popes" have been captured: Rios, of Tayabas; Faustino Ablena, of Samar, and Fernandez, of Laguna. Margarita Pullio and Catalina Furiseal, two women posing as "saints," and who were interested in the distribution of "anting-antings," were also captured. There still remain "Papa" Isio in the mountain fastnesses of Negros and "King" Apo in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija. The following is quoted from the report of Colonel Bandholtz: Rios represented himself to be an inspired prophet and found little difficulty in working on the superstitions of the extremely ignorant and credulous inhabitants of barrios distant from centers of population. So well did he succeed that he had organized what he designated as an "Exterior Municipal Government" (for revenue only) with an elaborate equipment of officials. He promoted himself and his followers in rapid succession until he finally had with him 1 captain-general, 1 lieutenant-general, 25 major-generals, and 50 brigadier-generals, and a host of officers of lower grade. In appreciation of his own abilities, he appointed himself "generalisimo" and viceroy, and stated his intention of having himself crowned King of the Philippines." Titles earthly not proving sufficient, he announced himself as the "Son of God" and dispensed "anting-antings," which were guaranteed to make the wearer invulnerable to attack. Of the ladrones killed during this period few were discovered who were not wearing one of these "anting-antings." The dense ignorance and credulity of the followers of Rios were clearly shown by the fanatical paraphernalia captured by Captain Murphy on March 8 near Infanta. Among these was a box, on the cover of which was painted the word "Independencia," and the followers of Rios profoundly believed that when they had proven themselves worthy the box would be opened and the mysterious something called independence for which they had so long been fighting could be secured, and that when attained there would be no more labor, no taxes, no jails, and no constabulary to disturb their ladrone proclivities. When this miraculous chest was opened it was found to contain only some old Spanish gazettes and a few hieroglyphics, among which appeared the names and rank of the distinguished officials of the organization. The following telegram, of recent date, from Captain Borseth of the constabulary of the province of Leyte, also gives an idea of the methods used by these fanatics: When the campaign against the "pulajans" ceased around Ormoc, Leyte, there still remained in the mountains the leader " Papa" Faustino Ablena, who in his correspondence signs himself "Señor Jesus y Maria." He has worked on the ignorance of the people in the foothills. Constabulary located him July 28 in the center of the mountainous region between Dagami and Ormoc, where he had built a fort defended by 2 small brass cannons and about 100 men. On the information received I sent out two parties of police and volunteers. The "pulajans” remained in their fort and resisted the attack over an hour. "Papa" Faustino was wounded in the chest, his two sisters captured, and 32 of his followers killed. I brought in 2 cannons, 1 army bayonet, 1 shotgun, 1 large box of important correspondence, a lot of powder and iron slugs for cannon, also all their paraphernalia. Lieutenant O'Connor, of the constabulary, and Lieutenant Poloive, of the municipal police of Jaro, led the attack. This is the only band in the province. Several presidents of the "Filipino Republic" and numerous ministers of the same have been captured or killed. The courts of first instance have been crowded with work caused by the trials of misguided individuals who led or assisted in quasi religious or political movements, which were, for the most part, ordinary brigandage faintly disguised. It is a curious fact, however, that among the various religious sects found in the Archipelago there is an invariable effort and desire on their part to become possessed of arms to reenforce the propaganda of their creeds. In the category of these religious and fanatical movements may be cited the following varieties, the tenets of whose belief comprise the idea of a church militant in its highest form: Dios-Dios, Pulajans, Colorados, Cruz-Cruz, San Iglesia, Cazadores, Colorum, Santos Niños, Guardia de Honor, Soldados Militantes de la Iglesia, and Hermanos del Tercero Orden. San Miguel-Partido Nacionalista movement. The most serious disturbance, amounting to a local uprising, was that led by San Miguel, who with many of his forces has been killed; most of the others have been sentenced to long terms, or are awaiting trial. The effective combinations made by the scouts and constabulary, as stated in Colonel Scott's report, show what can be expected of native troops, not only in maintaining order among their own people, but wherever their services may be required. To him is chiefly due the organization and direction of the numerous expeditions, scouts, and reconnoissances that finally completely overthrew and destroyed this uprising. I go somewhat at length into this movement, because it was the largest and because in it are aggregated kindred elements and motives to those found in all the others, namely, personal ambition and exploitation of the people on the part of the few, and gross ignorance and gullibility on the part of the many. As a result of the guerilla warfare carried on after the departure of the revolutionary government from Malolos in 1899, chiefs were developed from the ladrones and other vicious classes who were disposed to continue preying upon the people after the mass of intelligent men had decided to conform to the new conditions. Encouraged by political demagogues living under a benevolent government it was but natural that trouble should follow. The islands found themselves in financial straits, due to warfare and numerous plagues; politicos appeared in many towns and barrios; a large percentage of men who could read and write were candidates for office; the prospect of the legislative chambers sharpened the activity of not a few; the innate love of secret. societies could not be stifled at once, even though public meetings and a free press were duly authorized and fully utilized; there was also a certain number of proprietors disgruntled at the very modest land tax, which had never before been required of them. Under these conditions appeared the "Partido Nacionalista," whose platform as submitted to the Commission is shown by the following true copy: PROGRAMME. They are ours--the Philippines, Porto Rico, Guam, Wake, and Hawaii-not for subjugation, but for emancipation. (McKinley.) ASPIRATIONS. The National party will actively work within the law to secure for the Filipinos at the earliest possible date a most ample autonomy and in opportune time independence under the protectorate of the United States of America. MEANS. To obtain these expressed aspirations the National party will profit by the following: First. To proceed at once with the greatest interest in order that this progamme may reach the Nationals in arms to-day, that they may be convinced of the great advantages that will accrue to our beloved country by public tranquillity, and that they fully recognize the law. We give them the fraternal embrace which unites us for all time in ideas and thoughts. Second. To inculcate in the Filipino people a love of instruction, a desire to work, the necessity of economy, and the spirit of association. Third. To work incessantly within the limits of the law to the end that Filipinos may soon enjoy all those civil and political rights so necessary in securing the welfare and prosperity of the people, as did the United States of America, and for the same causes which brought about the Filipino revolution. Fourth. To appeal to the constitued authorities, asking that they eradicate from the Philippines all those elements so harmful to the welfare of the beloved people. Fifth. To work vigorously in order that agriculture, commerce, industry, and navigation may have a healthy life. The elections which took place resulted as follows: Presidents, Santiago Alvarez, Pascual H. Poblete; vice-president, Andres Villanueva; secretaries, Macario Sakay, Aurelio Tolentino, Modesto Santiago, Cenon Nigdao, Aguedo del Rosario, Domingo Moriones, José Palma, Lopez K. Santos, Pantaleon Torres, Salustiano Cruz, Nicolas Rivera, Francisco Carreon, Briccio Pantas, Valentino Diaz, Erolio Santos, and Valentino Solis. Of these Alvarez is a confirmed Katipunero; Poblete is editor of El Grito del Pueblo; Sakay was captured as "Supreme President of the Filipino Republic," was amnestied, and is now out in the mountains of Morong issuing Katipunan commissions; Tolentino has been sentenced to two years and fined $2,000 gold, for seditious plays; Nigdao, as "Acting Minister of War," surrendered; Del Rosario and Moriones were captured and sent to Bilibid for ten years each and to pay a fine of $5,000, gold, for sedition. Moriones was apprehended as "Minister of War;" Cruz, a colonel of Katipunans, was captured and is serving a ten-year sentence; Rivera was captured as "Minister of State," and is serving ten years in Bilibid with a fine of $5,000, gold, in addition. While the discussion of political measures is not altogether germane to this report, I feel justified in touching upon the National party, because to it, more than to any other one cause is due the burden of field operations in the Tagalo provinces during the year. I do not mean to attribute evil and seditious motives to all members of this party, but it is unfortunate that good men should live with vicious companions. Disturbances in Manila and the adjoining Tagalo provinces always find a response among agitators and brigands throughout the Archipelago who, having nothing to lose, are ready to begin their raids upon reports from Manila. In most cases it is the Manila agitator, caring little as to whether the keynote of his propaganda be religious or political, who incites them to deeds of violence. Characterized by its well-known liberal and generous policy the insular government was reluctant to take cognizance of the questionable procedure of this party dating almost from its origin as manifested in speeches delivered in public meetings in Manila, its suburbs, and the towns of the adjoining provinces. Tagalo dramas of a highly seditious nature were produced at first in Manila, subsequently in the provinces, under the auspices of said party. Partially veiled meanings of the dialogue were supplemented by the stage setting, and double entendres were freely resorted to. The ladrone bands of Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan were approached, and many were duly installed as members of the party. The labor union, with the same president, Dr. Dominador Gomez, was also organized and practically united with the National party. The ladrone bands communicated with Manila through the local presidents of this National party. A vigorous effort was made, but with only partial success, to have the Independent Filipino Church (Aglipay movement) consolidated with these two organizations just mentioned. Many members of the two organizations are also included in the following of "Bishop" Aglipay, but the latter recognized the futility of seeking American sympathy for any church movement openly allied with political parties. Some of the old Katipuneros advocated the triple coalition, claiming that sentimental consideration for the triangular arrangement would appeal to the secret brotherhood that they hoped to resuscitate. During this period of political activity Luciano San Miguel, one of Aguinaldo's generals, who had been deposed by him and had been living in hiding in his native province of Cavite without taking the oath of allegiance, crossed over to Rizal with a following of about 50 men, three-fourths of whom were probably armed. An effort was being made to revive the old Katipunan, but there were discordant elements the Andres Bonifacio wing and the Aguinaldo wing-that could not prior to this arrival be reconciled to each other. A new Katipunan was formed, with San Miguel at the head, about the time Dominador Gomez was made president of the Union Obrera September 14, 1902, in succession to Isabelo de los Reyes. Gomez was also made president of the National party in succession to Pascual H. Poblete (one time president of Katipuneros) September 25, 1902, and San Miguel was proclaimed general in chief of operations October 1, 1902, as shown by the following translation of a document captured at Coral-na-Bato at the time San Miguel was killed. ACT NO. 26. (In triplicate.) At headquarters in Bulacan, on the 1st of October, 1902, a meeting was held, presided over by me, with the assistance of Señor Julian Santos y Flores, the general of brigade, the chief, and other officers of the column. “Are you all agreed that we proclaim Gen. Señor Luciano San Miguel as captain-general, political military superior, and general in chief of operations of these islands, by reason of his seniority in field service?" They all agreed at once, and answered and affirmed that they were satisfied that Señor Luciano San Miguel should be captain-general, political military superior, and general in chief of operations of these islands, as we are guided by military laws and regulations, and because all Filipinos wish the liberty of their mother country. The meeting immediately adjourned, and triplicate copies of the act were made. One of these remained in my hands, one went to Gen. Julian Santos, and the present one was given into the superior hands of the honorable captain-general. JULIAN SANTOS, General of Brigade. BENITO SANTA ANA, Presiding General. A. Samson, Francisco Rivera, Miguel Capistrano, Laureano Abelino, Carlos With the exception of a few of these signers all are in the clutches of the law. "General" Santos has been given the death penalty for two distinct assassinations, and, if it be necessary, ample proof can be furnished to convict him of the same crime in six more separate cases. "General" Benito Santa Ana is awaiting trial. In connection with the suppression of this movement I desire to invite the attention of higher authorities to the specially valuable aid rendered this bureau at all times by the governors of the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Pampanga, to wit: Pablo Tecson, Arturo Dancel, Juan Cailles, and Seferino Joven. It is my candid opinion that at the present time every provincial governor of the Archipelago is earnestly and sincerely working in behalf of the duly constituted government of these islands. Surigao and Misamis.-With the exception of the two provinces of north Mindanao-Surigao and Misamis order has been maintained in the entire Archipelago by the constabulary and scouts. The disturbance in these provinces had its origin in the surprise of the constabulary garrison at the town of Surigao, when Captain Clark, Philippines. Constabulary, was killed, and a relatively large number of guns and revolvers were secured by a band of outlaws led by long-term escaped convicts. (See account of provincial supervisor attached to report of Colonel Taylor.) The outlaws of Misamis hoped to make a coalition with the Surigao band. Both provinces were undoubtedly agitated by exaggerated reports from the Tagalog provinces. The killing of Captain Overton, U. S. Cavalry, in the mountains back of Cagayan, Misamis, occurred about this time, and the fanatical mountaineers there and other ignorant classes elsewhere had been made to believe that American troops could not or would not be employed against them. To disillusion the people in this respect and for other reasons it was decided to turn over these provinces to the commanding general Department of the Visayas-at first General Lee, afterwards General Wint. The constabulary forces of the two provinces and detachments sent from other provinces there were duly ordered to report to the commanding general for duty, but continued to be subsisted and maintained through constabulary channels. The speedy and effective action taken prevented the Surigao bands from reaching Misamis. The latter province was quickly brought to terms, but Colonel Myer, of the Eleventh Infantry, in charge of operations in Surigao had no easy task in recapturing the outlaws and guns in the very difficult interior, in spite of a liberal quota of forces-American, scouts, and constabulary. Other Success was attained, however, the American troops withdrawn entirely, and the provinces returned to their normal status. than in General Bell's brigade during the Malvar campaign, and then in only a very limited degree, this was the first realization of a combined operation of the three military elements in the Philippines. The following is a report by Captain Haskell, Philippines Constabulary, acting senior inspector of Surigao, of the arms lost in the raid on the constabulary headquarters at Surigao, March 23, 1903, and the number recovered to June 30, 1903: |