The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-10
PERSUASION BEFORE POWDER.
BELIEF EXPRESSED THAT THE IN
SURGENTs WILL YIELD.

Reticence at the War Department
with Regard to Information From
Gen. Otis-Situation at HOiIo Is
Critical, But Hope Is Expressed
That the Americans VIII Control
PanRy without Observation-Disclosures
can Troops VIII Land at Quinn
aras.
Washington. Jan. "a great deal OF
reticence is exhibited at the war depart
ment relative to the state of affairs at
Ioilo.
1t is admitted that Gen. Otis has report
ed to the department the facts that were
reported to him by Gen. Miller, but all
that can be gathered as to the nature of
the communication is that it goes to con-
firm the press reports as to the attitude
of the insurgents.
There are excellent reasons why the
officials at the war department should at
this stage maintain secrecy as to the in
sructions governing the movement of
troops in the Philippines. The situation
is admitted to be critical, but not hope
less by any means, and it is extremely
desirable that the danger of a rupture
shall not be increased by infammatory
publications, which powerfully affect the
excitable Fiipinos.
1t is believed that Gen. Otis is framing
a plan of campaign which will result in
the extension of his control over the island
Of Panay without actual hostilities or if
II must come to warfare, then with the
least possible exposure of the American
troops. Probably the first step in this
campaign has been taken by this time, in
the establishment of a camp on the island
OF Guimaras, lying only a few miles from
lloilo, and easily accessible to the war
ships. This probably will be made the
base of operations if hosdlities become un-
aVoidable. The government however,
has not abandoned hope that a. peaceful
solution can be reached.
Gen. MiIIer's Instructions.
The governments instructions sent to
Gen. Miller at Iloilo were to land and get
in communication with the Insurgents.
This is as far as his orders have gone.
except that when he has established COM
munication with the insurgent officials
and people he is to make public the pur-
poses of the United States Not a shot
is to be fired by the forces of this coun-
try unless they are attacked, or until fur
ther orders are given from here
This programme was agreed upon be-
tween President Mckinley and Secretary
Alger several days ago. Secretary Alger
was at the White House for some time This
afternoon. He stated in the most en-
phauc terms that no alarming news has
come from Gen. Otis, and that he did not
believe a shot had been fired so far. or
that one would be fired He is confident
that Gen. Miller viii he able 10 handle
the situation successfully and obtain con-
troll of Iloilo without bloodshed He is of
the opinion that the insurgents have been
so long imposed upon that they are nat
urally suspicious and fear the worst, if
they surrender their strongholds into the
hands of the United States.
The policy to be adopted now is a gentle
one. Persuasion VIII be used before pow
der, That will be the last resort, and Sec
retary Alger is optimistic in his views
that it will never be necessary
The President, it is said, also views the
situation in a similarly hopeful manner.
He believes that the Filipinos will become
less suspicious when they understand more
fully the intentions of this country. He
believes that careful work on the part of
prudent officials win convince the Filipinos
of the earnestness of the United States,
and of the purpose of this government TO
protect their lives and property.