The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-06
Preparations Made in Anticipation
Of An Attack.
OTIS HAS STRONG POSITION
Ground viii Be Held and More
Troops on the Way.

Washington Feb. 5-Admiral Dewey to-
day cabled the navy department that hos
tillties had begun between the American
army and naval forces in and about Ma
Mia, and the Philippine insurgents. The
insurgents, he said, had been the aggress-
ors and had been repulsed. His dispatch
reads:
Manila, Feb. $40 the Secretary of the
Navy, Washington: Insurgents here inau-
gurated general engagement yesterday
night which has continued to-day The
American army and navy is generally sue
cessful Insurgents have been driven back
and our lines advanced. No casualties to
navy. Dewey.
The news came like a shock, for the ad-
ministration, though apprised that an ugly
situation prevailed in the Philippines, had
clung steadily to a hope that by tact and
patience, actual fighting might be averted
and even those public men who felt that
hostilities would follow should the treaty
be ratified and the United States attempt
to occupy the islands, believed that Aguin-
aldo would not force the fighting when the
treaty of peace was In its most critical
stage. Some senatorial opponents of the
ratification of the treaty adhere to their
position, but the general opinion in Wash
ington tonight is that the news from Ma
nila insures the ratification of the treaty
tomorrow afternoon.
The News Came From Dewey.
The news of the beginning Of another
war came from Admiral Dewey. No word
had been received from Gen. Otis up to
nightfal 1t seems to be Deweys fortune
always to be able to report favorable
news, and like all of his messages that
have gone before this cablegram, told of
the success of the American forces in the
action.
1t was with great regret, however, that
the administration learned that the insur
gents had forced the issue. 1t had hoped
all along that they could be brought to see
the advantages of placing their trust in the
American people, and relying upon the
President to deel justly with them.
The administration argued that with the
Philippine commission fairly on the sea en-
route for Manila, bringing with them mes
sages from the President and with the
peace treaty still unacted on it was not
to be credited that they would refuse to
wait to learn the purposes of the Ameri-
can government, but would precipitate the
long impending conflict.
Threats of FiIipinos.
While this was true, the officials here
and the officers in Manila had not been
blind to the threat contained in the situa-
tion there and every preparation has been
made for lust what occurred last night.
II is now acknowledged that fear of an
outbreak in Iuzon was the explanation for
the much-commented on failure of Gen.
Miller to force landing al Iloilo, on the
island of Panay.
Gen. Otis felt that he wanted all the
troops at Manila, where was located the
center of danger. Part of Miller's force,
therefore. was returned to Manila and thar
generafwas left with one regiment of reg
ulars and a battalion of artillery, just suf-
ficient TO take advantage of any detection
i'm his front but not enough to force his
way ashore and hold his own.
Warships Put In Position.
Then. rather as a formal authorization,
for he did not need the instruction, Dewey
was told to cooperate fully with Cen
Otis In any measures the latter might
take.
1t is believed that 1t was unknown to
the insurgents that some or the American
warships were quietly moved into positions
where they perfectly commanded the In
surgent trenches and defenses, and could
shell them with effect in case OF an out
break This movement was effected more
than ten days ago, and the administration
has not felt serious apprehension OF Gen.
Otis ability at least to hold his own.
The American Lines.
The American position might have been
greatly strengthened it Is said, by ju-
dicious extension Of the lines in certain
directions. and also by taking summary
measures to prevent the efforts of the in
surgents in taking UP positions and or
ganizing forces.
President Mckinley took the view that
perhaps under a strict construction Of the
terms of the protocol. which still holds
good in the absence OF the ratification OF
the treaty. he lacked authority 10 extend
the field of occupation of the Americans.
The fact that the insurgents themselves
have been the first to break the truce prob
ably releases the United States govern
ment from further obligation in this re-
spect so that Gen. Otis was unquestion-
ably warranted, in the opinion of the ad-
minlstration officials, IN extending his lines
as Dewey reports he has done.
Spanish War Again.
The situation is regarded here as rather
anomalous from diplomatic standpoint.
Legally, the Filiplnos are stlll Spanish