The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-02-06

'"SHihB'on' rep' o.-Admiral Dewe,
yesterday cabled the navy department
that hostilities had begun between tn
American army and naval forces in an,
about Manila and the Philippine in
surgents. The insurgents, he said, hat
been the agGressors and had been re-
pulsed. The message follows:
Insurgents here inaugurated genera
engagement yesterday night which was
continued today. The American army
and navy is generally successful. In
surgents have been driven back and our
line advanced. No casualties to navy.
The news came like a shock. for the
administration. though apprised that an
ugly situation prevailed in the Philip-
pihes mad chung steadily to a hope that
by tact and patience actual fighting
might be aVerted, and even those public
men who felt that hostilities would fol-
low should the treaty be ratified and the
United States attempt TO occupy the
! islands, believed that Aguinaldo would
not force the fighting when the treaty
OF peace was IN its most critical stage.
| Some senatorial opponents of ratifica-
non or the treaty adhere to their posi-
ton, but the general opinion in Wash
ington Is that the news from Manila in
sures the ratification OF the treaty this
| afternoon.
The news OF the beginning of another
war came from Admiral Dewey. No
word had been received from General
Gus up to nightfall. 1t seems to be
DeWeys fortune always 10 be able 10
report favorable news, and like all Of his
messages that have gone before this
caDlegram told OF the success OF the
American forces in the action. IL was
with great regret, however. that the ad-
ministration learned that the insurgents
mad forced the issue. Ii had hoped all
along that they could be brought To see
the advantages Of placing their trust ia
the American people ana relying upon
the president To deal justly with them.
The administration argued that with
the Philippine commission fairly on the
sea, en- route for Manila, bringing with
them messages from the president. and
with the peace treaty still unacted on.
it was not TO be credited that they would
refuse To wait TO learn the purposes of
the American government but would
precipitate the long impending conflict.
While this was true the officials here
and the officers i'm Manila had not been
blind TO the threat contained in the situs
tion there. and every preparation had
been made for just what occurred Satur-
day night. IL is now acknowledged that
Tear OF an outbreak in Luzon was the
explanation for the much commented on |
failure of General Miller TO force a land |
Ing at lloilo. on the island OF Panay. |
Otis felt that he wanted all the troops |
at Manila. where was located the center |
OF danger. Part of Millers force. there
fore, was returned to Manila. and that
general was left with one regiment OF
regulars and a battalion Of artillery. lust
SUFFICIENT to take advantage of any de-
Iection in his front, but not enough TO |
iorce his way ashore and hold his own. I
Then. rather as a formal authorization.
or ne dld ~ need the instruction Dewey
was told TO cooperate fully with General
Otis in any measures the latter NIGH.
take
1T Is believed that IL was unknown TO
the insurgents that some OF the Ameri-
'an warships were quietly moved in
POSITIONS where they perfectly COM
nanded the insurgent trenches and de-
enses and could shell them with effect
N case OF an outbreak. This movement
was effected more than 10 days ago and
ne administration has not felt serious
of General Otis ability at |
east 10 hold his own. The American
position might have been greatly
'trengthened. 1t Is said. by n iudicious
Ntension OF the lines in certain direc-
IONS. and also by taking summary meas
Tres 10 prevent the operations of the
nsurgents In taking up positions and or
'anizing forces.
PRESIDENT Mckinley took the view that
erhaps unoer strict construction OF
ne terms OF the protocol. which still
olds good in the absence Of the ratifica-
ION or the treaty he lacked authority
extend the field OF occupation OF the
mericans. The fact that the insurgents
themselves have been the first 10 break 9
lie truce probably releases the United
tates government from further obliga-
on In this respect. so that General Otis
as unquestiorably warranted. i'm the {
oinion Of the administration officials. I
extending his lines as Dewey reports
, has done. {
The situation is regarded here as rather J
from a diplomatic stand q
'int. Legally the Filpinos are stiu {
panish subjects. Therefore. II hostile 8
continue outside Of the limits
Manila. as laid down In the protocol.
VIII amount to a resumption of the war
Ith spain at least technically
)ihcials noted one little flaw In Dewey's
spatch, In that he spoke Of the Ameri-
n army and navy as generally sue
ssful,' conveying just the J. asst inti-
alton that at some points the results
re not as satisfactory as a others. II
inferred here that this might mean the
velopment ~ weakness at some of tho
1re exposed points on the Amer1ci n
es which might easily be explained by
fact tfat the attack was made at
yht .,...... .ts,o ~ to
rrents could creep close up 10 the shell
OF the tropical jungle that grows
arly into the town of Manila +,
i