The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-11-19
mo RELIEF.
Cannot Assist
Citizens.
PROTOCOL STOPS 1T.
Dewey on Troubles at Iloilo,
Philippines.

Washington, Nov 1S.-News of a
mixed character came to the navy de-
partment today from Admiral Dewey,
touching the situation in the Philip
pines.
The admiral sent two of his warships,
the Charleston and the Concord, some
time ago to the southwark from Ma
Mia. to ascertain whether there was
any truth in the reports that the in
surgents had expended their activity in
that direction.
Today he cabled as follows:
Manila, Nov. Is.
Secretary of Navy. Washington:
Charleston and Concord arrived to-
day from lilo. Glass reports that the
entire island of Panay is in possession
of insurgents except Ilolio, which is
defended by 500 Spanish troops. All
foreign citizens there beg for American
protection. The island of Negros has
declared independence, and desires
American protectorate.
"(Signed) Dewey"
Glass is the commander of the
Charleston. So far nothing has been
done by the administration towards
curbing the insurgents in their opera
tons save verbal representations from
the American commanders to Aguin-
aldo, in which it has been pointed out
to him that it would be good policy, in
view of the probability of the annexa-
ton of the islands to the United States
to pursue a course that would not be
obnoxious to the United States. But
the situation is now realized to be crit
ical. So far as the Spaniards are con-
cerned, perhaps they can be left tc
take care Of themselves, but the for
eign residents at Iloilo are differently
regarded. The difficulty in the situa-
ton is that with the best intentions to
intervene to protect the Europeans and
other foreigners, and to save the city
of Iloilo, the second in Importance II
the Philippine group, from looting, the
United States forces appear to be
stopped under the rules of war. from
| moving from their positions. Such is
the construction placed upon the clause
in the protocol relating to a suspension
Of hostilities
The immediate effect of this state OF
affairs may be to hasten action in the
Paris conference, for it is only by the
| termination of that tribunal that the
United States can come to the relief OF
the beleaguered Spaniards in Iloilo anc
at other points
1t is said to be a fact, however, that
a total disagreement at Paris may re.
suit in speedier action than if the com
mlssioners agreed upon the main prin-
ciples of the Philippines cession, for ii
such case several additional sessions
probably would be required in order tt
arrange the details of the treaty.
1t is now thought to be certain thai
the commission at a meeting next Mon.
4 rla
cession of the Philippines or note a dis
agreement and dissolve the meeting, fol-
the administration is not disposed t.
tolerate further delay and has so in.
structed the United States commission
ers.
The latter sent long cablegram to.
day, in cipher. The deciphering oecu.
pied the entire official day and mean.
time there were wild rumors touching
the nature of its contents. AS a matter
of fact it was nothing more than al
extremely verbose statement of the
Spanish side Of the case relating to the
philippines.
There was a renewal of the attempt
to take issue with the American con.
tention as to the meaning of the pro.
tocol clause relative to the disposition
of the Philippines, and much quibblins
| accompanied by quotations from
French, Spanish and other European
| languages, in the effort to demonstrate
to the Americans just what an English
word might mean. The latter will take
no notice of this kind of hair splitting
lplea, but at tomorrow's meeting vii
call on the Spanish commissioners tx
make answer to the American PROPOSE.
ton to cede the Philippines, probably
allowing until Monday or Tuesday ONLY
for a final answer on that point.