MAIL NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 86, 20 April 1901, Page 4

MAIL NEWS.

CAPTURE OF AGUINALDO. (By Telegraph—Press Association.] (Per Mail Steamer at Auckland.) The capture of Aguinaldo on March 24 is regarded merely as one of the closing incidents of the war in the Philippines. The affair was conducted with some gallantry, and General Funston, who is credited with having planned and executed the details of the capture, is a rather popular hero of the hour. Funston conceived the idea of pursuing Aguinaldo to his remote hiding-place, and by aid of forged letters, and aided by treachery to tho rebel leader of some persons in whom he trusted, all went off as projected. The Americans went into the insurgent camp in the guise of prisoners of the insurgents, and once inside Funston threw off his pretence and began giving orders which resulted in the capture. Aguinaldo was at first much excited, but grew calm when he learned that no bodily harm would be done him. He was at once carried toManila, aud it is at present hoped, both there and at Washington, that the Filipino leader, who has proved himself a brave and able man, and a moderating influence among his people, may be induced to issue such a proclamation to his- countrymen as may be of great aid to the Americans in their effort at pacification of the islands. It is too early to determine what action shall be taken, but the officials at Washington have discussed the matter informally, and unite in a disposition to be as lenient as possible if the conduct of the prisoner is such as to warrant such tactics. There has been talk of sending Aguinaldo to Guam, but some one of the Hawaiian Islands may be selected instead if it appears desirable to exile the dictator of the Filipinos. 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 ill-armed people who have been driven to a. halfsavage mode of life by the destruction of their 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 flaunting of military power.

WRECK OF THE RIO. Strange to say, it has not yet been possible to find any trace of the resting-place of the Rio in the bottom of San Francisco Bay, The search has not been abandoned at any time, but there has been no result. The fog at the time of the disaster was so dense that even the surviving officers of the ship are unable to make any accurate guess as to the grave of the vessel. Federal investigation into the cause of the wreck resulted in the censure of the pilot, and of Captain Ward, who went down with the ship. The chief engineer was blamed severely, and deprived of his license. It is likely the trouble may lead to some change in the pilot service as now conducted, and it is clearly evident the pilot is here, as elsewhere, entirely in command from the time he boards the ship until he again goes over the side,