New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-21
SITUATION AT MANILA.
REPORT OF A FIGHT WITH INSURGENTS
DISCREDITED.
GENERAL OTIS REPORTS CONDITIONS IN
LUZON IMPROVING.

OENFhAL OlIS REfORTS CONDITIONS IN
LUZON IMPROVING.
Washington. Oct 20-Under date Of yester-
day. General Otis cabled to the War Department
as follows:
The situation in Luzon somewhat improved
Influence of Filipincs Of education and property
not desiring Independent government. but hos
tile to Spain. gaining ascendancy in revolution
airy councils. Promising nothing but enforcing
the law. Complications seriously affect inter-
island commerce and diminish revenue. Affairs
proceeding favorably, though sick report in
creasng. owing mostly to carelessness of en-
listed men. Health OF officers good Condition
OF city and facilities for quartering troops i'm
proving. Fever decreasing. Intestinal troubles
about the same. Many slight ailments; small
pox apparently arrested. During the month
twenty-cight deaths Eight smallpox. eight ty
phoid fever. five malarial and intestinal com
plants, three accidental.
General Otis cabled more than the above but
the Department does not deem It advisable TO
make the other portion OF the dispatch public
because Of its bearing on the peace negotiations
1t contains suggestions regarding the DISPOSE
ton Of the Philippines and Information about
the insurgents. The dispatch cabled to the
United States Peace Commissioners in Paris.
Further advices from General Otis were re-
ceived at the War Department tonight Adju-
tant-General Corb!n declined to make public the
nature Of their contents but he said they made
no reference TO the fight reported to have oc-
CURED between the ships OF Admiral Dewey's
squadron and those Of the insurgents
The sensational Spanish report Of naval
battle between Admiral Dewey's vessels and
the insurgen: navy in the Philippines is re-
ceived with absolute incredulity in both the
Navy and War departments. If there has been
any recent action Admiral Dewey has failed to
mention 1t. and neither General Otis United
States Consul Wildman has regarded 1t
worthy OF notice.
1t is believed az the Navy Department that
the Spanish authorities refer TO the seizure OF
the little steamer Abby by the NcCulloch on
September % This steamer was OF American
register. though formerly known the Pasig.
1t was reported TO Admiral Dewey that she
bringing arms and supplies 10 the insur-
gents. He sent the McCulloch TO stop this
movement. but when the cutter found the Abby
In Bahamas Bay the latter vessel had LANDED
her cargo OF arms and the insurgents refused
to give them up. Thereupon the Abby was
seized and taken by the McCulloch to Manila.
This affair could not be dgnifed with the name
Of a naval engagement anG Admiral Dewey in
reporting the seizure to the Navy Department.
made little Of L:
1t is just possible tina. there hav. been some
in the islands Of Cebu or Panay, as It has been
reported that some insurgen, vessels have been
carrying arms to spread the insurrecton In
those islands, and Dewey would have repressed
tn IN. But the reports 10 the Navy Department
show that il is absurd to speak seriously OF
insurgent navy. for the entire force consists OF
a few schOOners and or two little cOasting
steamers. all together not being a match for the
least Of the vessels under Dewey's command
The explanation of the AdmiraTs interference
with these vessels in their opera tons is a desire
on his part maintain the status quo in the
Philippines pending the conclusion OF the Peace
Commissions work in Paris.
1t is said here that it is not surprising that
the Spanish Cabinet is trying to make much Of
any incident that can be twisted into a demon
stratiOn OF actual hostilites between the Ameri-
can forces in the Philippines and the insurgents
for that would aid in sustaining the contention
they are sure to put forward when the Philip
pines come under consideration before the Paris
Commission. that the United States forces never
have been able to take possession of and hold
territory outside Of Manila proper. Under the
rules Of international law this point would be
entitled to serious consideration in determining
what disposition should be made Of the territory