Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-10
A gentle" POLICY,
Mckinley and A|gsr Programme
for The Philippines
| PERSUASION BEFORE POWDER
They Think General Eiller Mlll
lYoid BloOdshtd.
CAMP ESTABLISHED AT GUI,rARAs.
To he Used az Base of Operations
I'm Case of Hostilities-war Depart-
ment Reticent About the Real situ-
Jation-FiIipinos Protest
CAMP ESTABLISHED AT GUI,IARAs.
To he Used as Base of operations

WASHINGTON. January "a great
deal Of reticence is exhibited at the War
Department relative TO the state OF az
fairs at Iloilo. 1t is admitted that Gene
raj Otis has reported TO the departments
the facts that were reported TO him by
General Miller, but all that can be gath
cred as 10 the nature OF the communica-
tion is that It goes to confirm the press
reports as to the attitude of the insur-
gents.
REASONS FOR SECRECY.
There are excellent reasons why the
War Department should at this stage
maintain secrecy as to the instructions
governing the movement of troops in che
Philippines. The situation is admitted TO
be critical but not hopeless by any
means, and it is extremely desirable that
the danger OF a rupture shall not be In
creased by iniammatory publications
which powerfully affect the excited FIt-
pinos. 1t is believed that General Otis IL
framing Il plan OF campaign, which viii
result in the extension OF his control over
the Island of Panay without actual hos
tillties, or IL IT must come 10 war, then
with the least possible exposure OF the
American troops
A CAMP AT GUIMARAS.
The first step in this campaign has prob
ably been taken by this time in the estab-
| lishment OF camp on tho Island OF Gull
maras. lying only "A few miles from Iloilo.
and easily accessible 10 the warships.
! This probably will be made the base or
operations II hostilities become inevitable.
The government. however, has not aban-
doned hope that "a peaceful solution can
| be reached
| The governments instructions sent to
| General Miller, at Iloil0, were TO land
| and get in communication with the insur-
| gents This is as far as his orders have
! gone except that when he has estaflish-
ed communication with the insurgen. ohi-
| cias and people he is to make public the
| policy of the United States. fie is not 10
| use the forces OF this country unless
| they are attacked, or unless further
| orders are issued from here.
! MKINLEY AND ALGER'S PRO
GRAAIME.
This programme was agreed upon oy
President Mckinley and Secretary Aiser
| several days ago. Secretary Alger was AT
the White House for some time this ar
| ternoon. He stated In the most emphatic
| terms that no alarming news has come
| from General Otis. and that he did not
| believe shot had been fired so tar, or
that one would be fired. He Is confident
| that General Miller will be able 70 handle
| the situation successfully and obtain con-
! troll Of Ilollo without bloodshed. lie ~ OK
| the opinion that the insurgents have been
| so long imposed upon that they are natu-
| rally suspicious and fear the worst ir
| they surrender their stronsholds into the
| hands OF the United States.
| A GENTLE, PERSUASIVE POLICY.
The policy to be adopted Is to be
gentle one; persuasion will be used before
| powder That will be the last resort, ana
| Secretary Alger is optimistic in his views
that IL will never be necessary. lhe
President, 1t is said. also views the situa-
tion in a similarly hopeful manner He
believes that the Filipnos 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 will convince the nm
pinos of the earnestness of the United
stftes and Of the purpose OF this govern
ment TO protect their lives and property