AGUINALDO, EMILIO (1870—).
The leader of Filipino insurrections against Spain and the United States. Ile was the young est of three children, and was educated, first, in his native town, and afterward at the College of San ,Tuan de Letrin in Manila. At this institu tion, which is conducted by Dominican friars, he remained for four yea-rs. in coarse of time he became yobernadoreillo, or inayor of Cavit6 Viejo, and was acting as such upon the outbreak of the insurrection in August, 1896. Owing to his prom inent participation in this uprising, he went. to llong Kong, consenting to a permanent exile from the islands on condition of a large payment on the part of Spain. In 1898 he returned to Manila, for the avowed purpose, it was said, of aiding the United States in the war against Spain. and immediately after the battle of :Manila organized an insurrection, which soon assumed proportions unparalleled in the history of the archipelago. In this movement he dis played great ability and extraordinary personal magnetism.. Of the twenty-six provinces of Luzon, nearly all were soon in open rebellion, and in the course of several months probably 15.000 Spaniards were captured and more than 2000 driven out of the islands. Du-ring the campaign
Aguinaldo was engaged in considerable diplo matic fencing with the United States. In June, 1898, he organized a provisional government, consisting of officers of his staff, as well as several of his relatives and friends; and in Aug ust of the same year this body appointed him generalissimo of the Filipinos and president of the revolutionary government. In July he ad dressed an appeal to the Powers for the recog nition of Filipino independence. to 1899 he as sumed the offensive against the United States, beginning operations by an attack upon Manila, February 4-5. in which he was unsuccessful. During 1899 there were a number of severe en gagements. Finally, the native troops were so hard pressed by the Americans that Aguinaldo, after repeatedly removing; his capital, was com pelled to flee to the mountains. Here the fight ing was continued with varying success until Ma,reli 23, 1901, when Aguinaldo was captured by Brigadier-General Frederick Funston at Pala wan, province of Isabella. Luzon, and brought to Manila. On April 2, 1901, lie formally took the oath of allegiance to the United States.