Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-03-18
OTIS LOOKS FOR A CLIMAX.
But He Sends for Some Light Guns-An
Uncensored Dispatch.

Washington, March 1s.-There was
much reticence shown at the war de-
partment yesterday to discuss a cable
dispatch from General Otis which was
regarded as most important 10y those
who read II. as indicating that hostili-
ties might cease very suddenly in the
Philippines and collapse of the iEsur-
Tection come at any time. Otis cabIed
that a climax might come at any hour.
The reasons for this belief Of General
Otis was not stated. General Otis cable
caused a great deal of qualification. Ii
was sent to the president at Thomas
Vile. Ga. one thing that looked incon-
sistent with a sudden close of the war
however. was cable from Otis asking
for light batteries to use in the noun
tains; also Hotchkiss guns.
Hong Kong. March 1.-THE following
general view Of the situation is from
correspondent of the Associated Press
at Manila and has evidently not been
subjected to censorship: The most re-
markabIe feature of the situation is
the inability of the Americans and resi-
dents to estimate the numbers, resources
ard plans of the Fiipinos. Prominent
generals think that two or three disas-
trous battles will break their spirit and
make them sue for terms. A majority
of the English and other residents are
the Tagalos is the only guarantee of
peace: that they can easily be whipped
If they give battle, but that they will
dodge a meeting with the Americans in
force.
United States Consul Williams says:
Il don't expect to live to see the end of
the war" The rebels shift about so
much that il is impossible to estimate
their numbers. The correspondent
questioned several generals as to the
number of the rebels. and the replies
ranged from 10000 to 100000. The esti-
mates of the quantity IF arms possessed
10y the rebels are equally uncertain. The
best authorities say 10000. Large sec
tions OF the armed natives are ignorant
of the use OF their weapons.
The country beyond the American
lines is rice fields. cane and brush. The
rebels are familiar with every inch of
it and it affords fine hiding places. The
residents say the Tagalos are unani-
mousIy rebels and they predict the
Americans will be resisted at Mindoro
and MindaEao and that they will be
obliged to subdue them. The extent OF
the support which the other Luzon
tribes are giving Aguinaldo is a mys-
terry. 1t Is known that several regiments
were under arms before the outbreak
but the majority of them are supposed
To be jealous Of the TaGalos. who are
reported to be treating the other tribes
in the fashion of the Spaniards-domi-
rating the island and holding all the Of
fees.
The Oriental character is so deceptive
that residents of Manila are ignorant
rs to whether their own servants SYM
pathize with the rebels or not. 1t is
known that a rebel organization exists
in the ri+y. and the evidence-is grow
ing that stere was a widespread plot to
aSsassinate the Americans. the signal
being the commencement of hoStilities.
The servants were instructed to kill
their employers. but they were terror
lied by the vengeance dealt out to Of
tenders ard they weakened Every
Tagalo would have cut his employers
throat if he dared. or at least this is
current saying
The faithIessness Of the natives is IL
Iustrated by the action Of the commits
sioners who come here to offer the al
legiance OF the island of NeEros. 1t is
now known that they We're in friendly
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