, 1898-12-29
IN |LO|L0
AMERICAN TROOPS MAY HAVE
A FIGHT WITH INSUR-
GENTS.
spaniards Have Surrendered City to
the Insurgents anu American
Troops Will demand Possession in
the Name of Uncle Sam-Aguinalo's
Followers May Visit.

baNANh hNNh 90 tbi' ~ 'N'fS
The American troops under Genera
Miller may be in conflict with the Fill
ippinos. who have succeeded in cap.
turing Iloilo.
The administration decided today
,that the Philippine flag raised over the
deserted Spanish Entertainments last
Monday must be hauled down.
General Miller and his two regiments
are due at Iloilo today. If the Flip
pinos submit to American supremacy
the problem will have been solved and
no serious trouble in the future from
the insurgents need be feared. But If
they resist and decline to haul down
the flag for the substitution of the stars
ard stripes, the administration is GER
tain THAT Miller will carry out his in
irstmuctions-take possession.
Perhaps General Miller is in a trap
suggested by the developments. noilo
had been defended by a well known
Spanish brigand. The fact presupposes
an overwhelming Filipino force nu-
merically, and it is questionable If the
Baltimore and Miller's two regiments
will form a force sufficiently strong to
insure victory
1t is safe to a as a result of the
White House conference between the
president, Algr and Corbin. Admiral
Dewey and General Otis were cabled to
hurry reinforcements ito Miller at Hello
and they are now On their way.
The secretary of the navy and the
secretary of war are disposed to await
further news before making conclusive
statements. Both admit the gravity OF
the situation.
Secretary Alger said: Il am inform
ed of the situation officially Through
the dispatch from General Otis, in
which he said that the insurgent flag
is flying over Iloilo l do not care to
state my opinion as TO what will be the
result when the troops OF General Otis
reach Iloilo. and they are expected
there every hour. l do know, however,
that if Iloilo is not surrendered to Gem
eral Otis by the insurgents, his forces
must either fight or run away. 1t is
net good policy, however, to cross the
bridge until you come to it,
Secretary Alger, nevertheless, did
not speak as hopefully as heretofore
that the insurgents could I've pacifed
by the diplomacy Of the American Cen
erals in the islands.
Secretary Long said: Il do not know
what part the navy may be called upon
to play in the situation at Iloilo as re-
ported in the newspapers. The navy
department puts great faith in the
Judgment of Rear Admiral Dewey and
| am confident that he will act in ac-
~cordance with the e~Xigencies of the
situation whatever they may be."
Agoncillo, the Philippine represen-
tative here, plainly showed his defiance
today.
by all the rules of right and JUS
tice," said Agonclllo. the town of Iloilo
having been captured by the insurgent
forces, belongs to them, and their flag
should Vol be taken down. The Amer
leans have no right there. They did
NOT assist the insurgents In taking the
place. The Filipino forces captured
it without aid from anyone. They
should be allowed TO enjoy the fruits
of their unaided victory"
will they resist Miller il he demands
their submission to american suprem-
acy and lower their 1ag?" the CORES,
pondent asked.
II do not care to express an opinion
on that subject" was the reply. That
question must be determined by the
Aguinaldo government"
In response to a question as to what
was to be done with the Spanish pris-
oners held by the Filfppinos, Senior
Agoncillo said: They will be held un-
til some agreement is reached between
the United STAGES and the Filipino
government as to the future Of the
Philippine islands. They are not be-
ing held subject to the ransom OF
Spain. There is no question of money
involved in their retention. But the
American government mas not yet
reached any resolution as to what II
will do with the Philippines. and I'M
TIL some understanding is had with the
Filippinos on this point, We will prob.
ably hold the prisoners"
The province of Ilodlo Is practically
the island Panay and has a population
Of 472. 900 souls. The city Of Iloilo II
the capital, the second seaport IN The
Philippine group and located on a river
navigabe by vessels OF not more thar
fifteen feet draught. American nava
vessels would, 1t Is supposed, be Of lit
tie direct value In an assault on tn.
city, and troops would be debarked on