The Big Stone Gap post. [volume] (Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Va.) 1892-1928, 1899-06-08
OPERATIONS AROUND
MANILA.
Otis's Report-Causes Leading
'' to the War.

WASHINGTON, May 3I.--The Secretary Of
War today made public the report Of
General Otis, transmitting the reports Of
his subordinate officers, OH the operations
around Manila up to April 18th. ....
General Otis begins with this statement:
THE military operations are fairly well
presented in the reports, and have little
to add thereto, but desire particularly to
call attention to the conditions and cir
cunlstanccs which resulted in war This
deem TO lie essential in order to correct
the somewhat prevailing impression that
the government of the United States is
responsible, through deceit or wrongful
action, for the present existing hostili-
ties"
To this eud lie gives short summary
of the Philippine instruction against
Spain, laying stress on the fact that
small band of the natives Of LuzOn, lead
ers Of the rebellion Of SO against Spain.
were induced for a monetary consideration
to leave the Island. These men returned
to the vicinity of Manila after the de-
struction of the Spanish feet there, being
as General Otis SAYS, encouraged with
out authority to attempt the organization
of what they were pleased TO denomlnate
an independent government for the Phil
ippine people
INDEPENDENCE PROCLAIMED.
Independence. General otis says, was
proclaimed by Aguinaldo in August, ana
and as early as June he had warned the
United States authorities against the
landing of its military forces on Philip |
pine soil, without first obtaining his con-
sent. because, as he expressed it, "the |
Philippine people might consider the oc-
cupation of Philippine territory by North
American troops u violation OF their
rights"
General Otis SAYS: "When the United
near and to the southwark of Manila, for
the purpose of attacking the city, the iic-
ton that they we're acting as allies of the
and in furtherance of Philip
pine independence. appears to have been
conveyed by the insurgent leaders
General Otis Describes Aguinaldo's eff
forts to strengthen his lines in prepare
lion for hostilities with the United States
during this time, and explains the growth
Of the insurgcnt Independent movement.
CORRESPONDENTS WITH AGUINALDO.
Describing briefly the high tension that
existed at the time. General Otis includes,
N explanation of his course some highly
IMPORTANT correspondence that passed be-
ween himself and Aguinaldo.
Early in January General Otis was ask
ID by conservative PHILIPPINES to appoint a
Of army officers TO meet an in
urgent commission, by which peace might
,e maintained. General Otis refused to
any insurgent government, but
vas willing to negotiate with AguinaldO
II committee appointed by him.
The report sets out the correspondence
n this subject which passed between
General Otis and Aguinaldo. The latter
AIMED IL commission, consisting Of three
{ his leadcrsywith General Otis, with a
lew to an amicable understanding, but
expressed surprise that Otis would not
eceivc the commissioners as Official rep
of the insurgent government.
COULD NOT RECOGNIZE FILIrINos.
In reply, General Otis explained that he
as acting merely as the agent Of the
nited States Government. As such he
ad no authority to recognize the Filipino
and could not receive, Off
tally, representatives of that government.
lie expressed the earnest hope that the
named by him and by Agui-
aldo would be able through conference
D dispel the misunderstanding which ex-
,ted. lie was under strict orders from
he President TO avoid conflict, if posi-
lie, but he admonshed Aguinaldo that
he American troops were aware of the
ilipino's effort to precipitate hostllties.
lie pointed out that definite policy with
eference to the Philippines would have
0 be declared by Congress, and for the
ction of Congress he hoped Aguinaldo
IOuld wait.
General Otis says the negotiations were
arren Impractical results. The insurgent
lembers desired absolute independence,
ut were unauthorized to present any
tatement they could maintain.
INSURGENTS AGGRESSIVE.
In the latter part of January the insur- +,
ents became aggressive, interfering with
he American troops, and finally led Cen
raj Otis to address another letter to
lguinaldo, calling attention to the arrest ,
y Fiipinos of some American soldiers !
nd newspaper correspondent, and re-
Nesting an explanation. General Otis's
stter added:
81 am doing everything possible TO pre- y