MURDER OF GENRAL LUNA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11484, 25 July 1899, Page 3

MURDER OF GENRAL LUNA.

General Antonio Luna, one of the bitterest foes of the Americans in the Philippines, has been assassinated by order of Aguinaldo (says a telegram from Manila). Luna has recently found himself in opposition to the chief's views, and has not only disobeyed orders, but at one time slopped Aguinnldo's Poaoo Commissioners while on the way to treat with the Americans. Aguinaldo ordered his death, and theso orders were carried out by the Dictator's fanatical followers. The report of the assassination caused great excitement among the Filipinos in Manila, which was naued^lo later when the report was confirmed. T-ho assassination of Luna occurred on June 3, at Kabanatuan. to which place he had gone to confer with Aguinaltlo.. He had just been promoted to the rank of Major-goneral by the Filipino leader. By a.preconcerted plan he was kept waiting at the door of Aguinaldo's headquarters until his patience became exhausted. After demanding admission several times he attempted to force his way in. He drew a revolve:-, but before he could use it was seized by Aguinaldo's guards, and one of them, named Key, stabbed him several times. General Luna's aid, Colonel Ramon, who was near him, rushed to the General's rescue, but was seized and disarmed and cut to. pieces with bolos. Luna and Ramon both died a few minutes after being stabbed. It is said Luna had become so importunate in his demands on Aguinaldo for power and increased authority that the Filipino leader decided Luna's death was necessary for his personal safety and the Filipino cause. The Major-general's commission was merely a bait to throw Luna off his guard, and render tho assassination comparatively easy. There is open rejoicing among the Filipinos here that Luna is no longer capable of making trouble. They realise that ho was :i menace to peace, and the complete pacification of the islands could hardly have been accomplished while he was alive ami at liberty. He was noted throughout his career for producing discord and mischief wherever he was. On May 4 Luna was severely wounded in an engagement between his troops and those of General Funston, before San Fernando.was captured.