The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-09-24

most friendly nature. and We have with
drawn our forces from the suburbs Of Ma
mia as an additional evidence Of our con
| fidencc in the great American republic.
"ASuiualdo
News Pleases officials.
Washington, D. c., Sept. 19.-The clli-
Gals at the state and war departments
welcomed the notice sent TO the Amer
car people through the Associated ireS>
OF the falSity of the stories describing ter
friction between the F'ilipnos and the
American forces in LuZon. While the Of
tlclals dad not care to discuss the matter
for publication. it was evident that the
main source of their satisfaction vas the
internal evidence contained in the docu-
meut that Aguina lido had protited liy the
warnings OF the American commanders
anu had gracefully receded from the u-ro-
CANT attitude assumed hy him just before
Gen. Merritt left Manila for Paris
While there is little in the official rec
ords that tends to contradict what the in
surgent chief says, still ii must hp re
called that both Gen. Otis and Admiral
Dewey. in cable messages to Washington
have pointed out threatening conlpi:ca-
tons arising from the attitude Of the in
surgentS. The last advices received n
the war department from Manila cans
from Gen. Otis Friday last. and while The
officer referred to the agitation exhibited
by the insurgents. he took care to state
that he had troops enough in his opinion
to meet any emergency.
nth tins statement from the com
mRndIng general on the scene Of activity
fresh i'll mind, the war drpn rtment eX-
planatiOn for the dispatch of fresh rein
torcements for the American army 1T
Manila, namely, that it is but part of Il
movement originally planned. appears 10
warrant q further inquiry.
The navy department is rushing prep
Ii ,f IN, Io. -, II
Oregon and Iowa to Honolulu ana Or
ders have been sent to the New \, L
navy-yard TO have the mechanics w0rk
overtime on these ships. The purpose is;
TO have them start on their long VOYAGE
by the end of the present month. and ac-
cordins to the department calculations
they should arrive at their destination hy
the end of January.
Has Deep Significance.
There is little effort now made to con
ceal the fact that the department viii
have the ships met at Honolulu by a dis
patch boat with orders to turn their
rrows westward to Manila. Battlcships
OF tins character are not needed to keen
the Filipino insurgents in order. and their
assembling at Manila in conjunction with
the dispatch of heavy reinfnrcemcnts of
troops for the American land forces can
not hut be regarded ~ significant In
wel-informcd circles here II is said that
the real purpose of the President in max
ing these preparations is TO insure tho
peace commissioners against any inter
ference in their work Of disposin- 81 the
future Of the Philippine islands accord
tng to their best judgment. Not having
disclosed his plans respecting the islands
outside of Iu2on. the seat of the caoital
Of the group, the President still reserves
for the American peace commissioners
che right to dispose of the remainder Of
the islands rs they may deem best.
\ long line of curious Incidents. to
which one Of the great European pow
rrs has been party. has beyond question
done much 10 cause q feeling Of unc;'sj-
ness on the part Of the admuiSt ration.
us tending to show 4 purpose 10 interfere
IN our free action IN he Philippines, and
has been only slightly diminished hy aJ-
parsntly frank disclaimers g an ultrriar
pnr4os". because thc incidents continue
quietly and IN manner calculated 10
avoid attracting attention.
Such for inStGnrc as the gathering If
na yal vessels to the south of the Philip
pine group, the only explanation Of which
looming from native sources. it is true
bat still! bearing marks Of gpnuiuencssl
is purpose of acquiring either ny Seiz-
ure or hy some secret pact with the Span
lsh government the important island Of
PalaNan.
This particular island forms ono side Of
the gateway through which must pass all
Of tn" extensive commerce that flows he
tween Australia. Micronesia and Southern
China. The passage is narrow aud if
the islands of the Philippine group are
TO be retained. outside Of Luzon <hi> isl
and OF Ia:aWan must be kept, rs form
ing one side of the gateway. Il IS garh-
cred that it IS the purpose Of the Pres
dent. therefore. to prevent the alienation
by Spain of any Of the Philippine group
and that these prcoaratioi.s. naval aS
we'll as military. are bur steps towards
the execution Of his purpose With the
addition to his feet Of the two batt.eships
Admiral Dewey will have force only
second To that of Great Britain in East
orn waters, while Oh shore Gen Otis will
have more numerous army than any
Euronnan n0Ncr save RnssiI