The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1899-01-04
NOT APPREHENSIVE.
War Department Do Not Fear for Re-
suits If Ii Comes to Clash
with FiIipinOs.

Washington, Dec 3O.-The war de-
partment is expecting definite word
from Gen. Otis within the next "a hours
as to what has occurred at Iloilo. By
that time Gen. Otis will have beard
from Gen. Miller, in command of the
American force sent on this expedition.
The officials about the war department.
do not appear to be apprehensiye over
the results, and there is no evidence
of tension or alarm, although it is
recognized that the situation at Iloilo
is one which may bring about sharp
and possibly a decisive issue between
the insurgents and the United States
forces. Up to the close of office hours
it was said at the war department that
nothing had been received from Gen.
Otis bearing on the military situation
All that had come was response to an
earlier dispatch conveying orders, the
reply giving assurance that definite
news could be conveyed within the next
"a hours. What Gen. Miller will do as
to taking possession of the city. either
with force or without, is not officially
disclosed, and indeed it. is likely that
considerable discretion is lodged with
the commanding officer as to what
steps should be taken. But in the event
of clash between the United States
forces and the insurgents, war de part
ment officials say there could be no
doubt as to the outcome, as the Seven
teenth infantry are among the regulars
having a reputation for their fighting
ability. The American force numbers
about $500, as against an estimated
force of some 10000 insurgents, but no
doubt is expressed as 10 the adequacy
of our force.
Prompt steps are being taken by the
administration to assert the supremacy
of the United States in the PHILIPPINES.
In order to provide abundant authority
to dispose of both the military and civil
features of the situation Mai Gen. Otis
has been formally designated as gov
ernor-general of the Philippines Gen.
Otis will be succeeded as soon as posi-
BILE in command of the army forces by
Maj. Gen. Lawton, now in charge of
the Fourth army corps at Huntsville
1t is possible a formal demand will be
made on Aguinaldo for the surrender of
the city of Iloilo, and time will be given
him to evacuate.
The administration las realized all
along that the time was soon coming
when there would be clash between
the United States and the insurgents.
With the treaty of peace signed there is
no reason for delaying the settlement
except for the influence it may have on
the peace treaty, and it is now said that
the belligerent attitude of Aguiraldo
and his force will tend to hasten rather
than retard favorable action by the
senate. Long before Gen. Lawton gets
to Manila, in all proba bility the status
of Aguinaldo and his followers will be
thoroughly defined, for it is hardly
deemed possible that Gen. Otis, with his
known promptitude of action, will al
low matters to drag. It is believed he
will give Aguinaldo certain length of
time to yield, and when that has ex-
pired, without practical surrender.
will treat the insurgents as rebels.
London. Dec. 30.-The Chronicle, edi-
torially discussing the situation at
Iloilo, says: at would be advisable
for the insurgents to defy the Ameri-
cans. The issue would then be suuarely
raised and settled once for all in one
short, sharp action, which would prob
ably bring the crazy Filipfnos to their
senses. After this the men of peace
could proceed with their business"
Manila, Dec. 30. = The expedition
under Gen. Miller arrived at Iloilo
Tuesday and found that the Spariards
had evacuated the place on Saturday.
The steamer Churuca transferred the
Spanish forces to Mindanao.
In accordance with an agreement
the rebels entered the city and trenches
on Monday at noon. They Immediately
established municipal government.
Guards were placed over foreign prop
erty. Everything is quiet and orderly.
There was some shooting during the
night, but five natives were shot, and
hol