Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 December 1901 — OFFICERS HANG IN TAYTAY [ARTICLE]

OFFICERS HANG IN TAYTAY

Military Authorities Make Examples of Filipino Murderers, HIGH OFFICIALS EXECUTED. President »nd Chief of Police Among Those Who Pay the I xtreine Penalty —More Details of the Samar Disaster Are Given. Manila dispatch: The military authorities banged the presidente, the chief of police and the vice-sergeant of Taytay, who had been convicted of murdering seven natives by stabbing them and burying them alive while the town was under American occupation. The crime was committed at the instance of the insurgent leaders. A priest of the name of Leposoy, who was also convicted and sentenced to death because he had heard the confessions of the murdered men when they were- at the point of death, had hi 3 sentence commuted to twenty years’ imprisonment because of his calling. The hanging of the others took place in the presence of thousands of natives, including fifteen presidentes. Professor Worcester of the Philippine commission, Colonel Maus, insular health commissioner, and Chief Huth have sailed for Cayagan, in Jolo, where they will establish a permanent leper colony. Additional details of the loss of life in Company C, Ninth infantry, at Balingiga, Island of Samar, were brought here by the Shinano Maru. As an Instance of heroism is cited the case of a private wljo, having gone for his rifle, became separated from his fellows. in a rush his left arm was cut off below the elbow. He dropped to the ground, but kept hold of his rifle, and, rolling behind a log, kept up his fire on the enemy, working the magazine of his piece with the right hand alone. Later he was killed by bolomen who stole up behind him. Many plans had been made by insurgents to seize towns held by the Americans, but none of them had worked before with the precision of this. On the night before the attack the women of the town gathered in the church to pray for the success of their insurrectionist husbands and brothers on the morrow. At some time during this day a sealed coffin was brought to the church. This coffin contained several war bolos.’ The signal for the attack was given while the men were at breakfast by the native chief of police, who wrested a gun from a sentry. Immediately the church bells began to ring and the bolomen rushed upon the Americans and killed the officers in bed. From the time of the assault until the survivors embarked in baratos for Basey about forty-five minutes elapsed. Then followed the hardships of a trip to Basey, the unwounded men paddling the boats and doing their best to relieve the sufferings of the wounded, until, twenty hours later, the little band of survivors reached Basey and safety.