The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-05-24

Washington. May 2L-Generai Otis
report. received by mail and read by the
president at the cabinet meeting yester-
. day. Is pronounced by those who heard
II a most interesting summary Of the
situation i'm the Philippines. In the
main. il presents the subject from the
military point of view.
But probably the most important con-
tribution is that covering the correspon-
dence between General Otis and Aguin-
aldo just preceding the outbreak. show
ing conciusvely thatth American com
mander used every effort To avoid a con-
fllct. The communication from Agun-
aldo bear his signature and give little
evidence of conciliatory spirit or a dis
position TO accept American rule. The
members OF the cabinet believe that they
furnish conclusive showing OF the
rectitude OF our course i'm dealing with
the uprising. 1t was felt to be such a
strong presentation OF the conditions
leading up TO the insurrection now ex-
- listing that IL was determined to make II
public at once. Time was required,
however. to make a summary and pre-
pare copies. The report covers about Is
typewriter pages and brings the SUBJ
tect up 10 about six weeks ago.
The indication clearly set outfn the
news dispatches from Manila OF di-
vision OF opinion among the United
States commissioners as TO the best
method OF dealing with the insurgents
al this critical stage has aroused deep in
terest here
Nothing was received at the state de-
partment yesterday frcm President
Schurman OF the commission and in Cen
eral Otis dispatches 10 Secretary Alger,
or al least all OF them made public. there
Is no reference TO any dissatisfaction on
his part with the attitude OF the civilian
members OF the commission. IL Is re-
garded as perhaps "A misfortune that
this phase OF the situation was not
reached before Admiral Dewey, by leav-
ing Manila for home. lost TO the com
mission the benefit OF his experience and
sound judgment. II is realized here that
much tact Is required at this juncture in
order,'whie avoiding extreme measures
with the Filipinos, not 10 fall into the
much graver error OF losing the expen-
sively bought fruits of the victories OF
the American army and navy.
The war department Is inclined to sup
port General Otis not only because OF his
connection With the war, hut also on the
ground that his longer experience with
the insurgents better fits him to under
stand the native character. However
the president is giving the matter his
close personal attention. assisted not
only by Secretary Hay who is directly
responsible for the instructions given to
the commission. hut by all OF the mem
bers of the cabinet. and proper out
come of the little difference may be ex-
pected.
II is said at the war department that
the town Of Zamboango is not TO be per-
manently abandoned TO the possession OF
the insurgents in that quarter of the
philippines. The Spanish garrison will
be withdrawn before General Otis Is
ready to occupy the place, but just as
soon as conditions at Manila and vicinity
pernlt Of the withdrawal or a suf-
fcient military force. Zamboango will be
sarrisoned by American troops.
Secretary Hay has received from Pres
ident Schurman long message giving
the results of the meetings thus far held
with the native Filipino commission
sent by Aguinaldo 10 treat with the
Americans. The message was laid be-
fore the president last night He was
NciF hucH gratlHeu at It's contents,
which are said TO be very encouraging
for the outlook that something definite
may be accomplished. President Schur-
man reports that the native commits
sioners will take back to their people
the proposition for form Of govern
ment. etc, suggested by the American
commissioner. The text OF the dispatch |
will not be made public. 1t was stated
on the authority of a gentleman who |
spent some time with the president. that
there are no difficulties of any conse- |
ouence between the military and civilian |
members of the Philippine commission |
as to the course TO be adopted in dealing
with the natives.