New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-06
THE NEWS ~ WASHINGTON.
OFFICIALS SURPRISED AT AGUINAIDOS
ACTION.
TROOPS AT MANILA WERE READY FOR
EMERGENCIES

TROOPS AT MANILA WERE READY FOR
EMERGENCIES.
Washington. Feb 5-The news Of the attack
Of the insurgents on the American troops near
Manila came like a shock for the Administa
ton though apprised that an ugly situation pre-
vailed i'm the Philippines, had chung steadily 10
a hope that by tact and patience actual hght-
ing might be averted and even those puDhc
men who felt that hostties would follow shoud
the treaty be ratified. and the United states
attempt 70 occupy the islands, believed tha'
Aruinaldo would not force the fighting when
the Treaty Of Peace was in It's most criticai
stage Some Senatorial opponents Of ratfca-
ton Of the treaty adhere to their views. Dut
the general opinion in Washington tonight Is
that the news from Manila insures ratihcatoh
tomorrow afternoon.
The first news Of the beginning Of another
war came from Admiral Dewey. 1t has seemed
TO be Dewey's fortune always 10 be able to re-
port favorable news. and like all Of his mes
sages that have gone before. this dispatch told
of the success of the American forces in the
action. It was with great regret however, that
the Administration learned that he insurgents
had forced the issue. II had hoped all along
that they could be brought TO SEQ the advantage
Of placing their trust in the American people
and relying upon the President TO deal justly
with them. The Administration argued that
with the Philippine Commission fairly on its
way for Manila. carrying messages from the
Pr sident and with the Peace Treaty still un-
acted or. it not 10 be credited that they
would refuse to walt to learn the purposes Of the
American Government
PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES.
had not been blind to the threat contained in
the situation there. and every preparation had
been made for what occurred last night. 1t is
now acknowledged that the fear of an outbreak
fin Luzon was the explanation for the failure
of General Miller to force a landing at Iloilo
on the island OF Panay. General Otis felt that
he wanted all the troops at Manila where was
located the centre Of danger. Part of General
Mlers force, therefore. sent back TO Ma
Mia. and that general was left with one regi-
ment Of Regulars and a battalion Of artillery, a
force sufficient to take advantage Of any defec-
tion in mis- front. but not enough to make
his way ashore and hold his own.
Rather as formal authorization. for he did
not need the instruction, Admiral Dewey was
told to cooperate fully with General Otis in any
measures the latter might take. 1t is believed
that it unknown 10 the insurgents that
some Of the American warships were quietly
moved into positions whore they perfectly CON-
manGed the insurgent trenches and defences
ard could shell them with effect in case OF an
outbreak This movement was effected moro
than ten days ago. and the Administration has
not felt serious apprehension Of General Otis
ability at least to hold his own.
GOOD FAITH OF AMERICANS
The American position might have been great
" strengthened, it is said. by a judicous ex-
tension Of the lines in certain directions. and
also by taking summary measures to prevent
the operations Of the insurgents in taking up
positions and organizing forces. President Nc.
Kinley took the view that perhaps. under a
strict construction Of the terms Of the protocol
which stil holds good in the absence Of the rati-