Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-06-01
GEN. OTIS REPORT
Of Conditions Leading Up to
Filipino Outbreak.
The Natives Treated With the Utmost
Fairness and Consideration,
it,
But Led en- by Aguinaldo and Others 10
Oppose Americans.

transmitting the reports Of his subordi-
nate officers on the operations around
Manila up to April 6. Gen. otis begins
with this statement:
These military operations are fairly
well placed in the reports and L have
little to add thereto, but desire partic-
ularly to call attention to the rise and
development of conditions and circum-
stances which resulted finally in war
This | deem essential in order to cor
rect the somewhat prevailing impress
sion that the government Of the United
states is responsible through deceit or
wrongful action for the existing hos
tilities."
TO this end the general gives a short
summary of the Philippine insur rec
ton against Spain, laying stress on the
fact that a small band Of the natives Of
Luzon. leaders Of the rebellion of 80
against Spain, were induced for none
tary consideration to leave the island.
These men returned in the vicinity ~
Manila after the destruction Of the
Spanish fleet there, being. as General
Otis SAYS. encouraged without au-
thority to attempt the organization IF
what they were pleased to denominata
an independent government ~ t-i'
Filipino people.
Gen. Otis tells of the landing Of
Aguinaldo from an American vessel
and Of the insurgents taking advantage
Of the active hostilties between the
United States and Spain to capture
southern points and increase their
strength. Independence. Gen. Otis
says. was proclaimed by Aguinaldo. in
ri he q Il
warned the United States authorities
against the landing Of its military
forces Of Philippine soil without first
obtaining his consent, because, as ne
expressed it. the Filipino people
might consider the occupation Of Phil
ippine territory by North American
troops a violation of their rights
Gen. Otis adds: when the United
States forces landed from their trans
ports near and to the south Of Manila
for the purpose Of attacking the city,
the fiction that they were acting as al
lies Of the insurgents and in further
ance of Philippine independence APP
pears to have been conveyed by insur-
gent leaders,
Gen. Otis describes Aguinaldo's ef-
forts 10 strengthen his lines in prepa-
states during this time and explains
the growth of the insurgent independ-
ence movement by stating that, in the
absence of Spanish authority many
able and conservative Filipinos gave
adherence to this seemingly de tacto
government. Many of these withdrew
their adherence when the radical ele-
ment declared its hostility to the Unit
ed States.
Describing briefly the tension that
existed at the time. Gen. Otis includes
important correspondence in eXplana-
tion of his course between himself ana
Aguinaldo. Early in January, when
Cen. Otis was asked by conservative
Filipinos to appoint a committee OF
army officers to meet an insurgent
committee and effect a compromise
that peace might be maintained, Gen
otis refused to recognize an insurgent
government. but was willing to negou-
ate with Aguinaldo or a commission
amounted by him. Aguinaldo's re-
snonce and Cen Otis reply are SET
forth in the following extract from the
report. ,eoo
Major General L. S. Otis. General OF
The American Forces Of Occupation
in Manila:
General-I have been informed al
ter an interview between the the com
missioners of my government and Mt
Carman. that there will be no neon
yanierce on your part, in naming, as
commanding general. representatives,
MAJ win confer with those whom VIII
name for the same object.
Although ii not being explained y
mo tbp reason why you could not tre''
with fra commissioners of my govern
mapt I have the faculty Of dong tH'
Same with those of the commahuiils
general who cannot be recoSHlAeu
Nevertheless. for the sake OF peace
have considered it advisable to mann
as commanding general comm,
sion COMPOSED of the following GENT
ma,, FIorantino Flores. Ambrose
Flores and Manuel Arguieles' Una
thew NAV together represent me ~,
arrive at an accord with those Nh"i'
you viii name, with the object ~ ~
such methods as will normallze ~
actual situation created by the attiluu
of YOU government and troops.
If YOU win deign to attend 10 So
commissioners and through ',,
methods come to some uilueIs 80
Inf only temporarily that VIII l" 80.
peace ana harmony amongst oufsel>''
the Filipino public would redch
grateful glory. ,o
| am your, general, with the hieheS
consideration.
Your most respectful servant,
EMILIO AGUINAll'o.
To this letter | replied as 1oilo"S'
Headquarters Department
of the Pacific and Sth Army .doo
Manila. p. l., Jan. y 1870
Cen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Comma" :,
Revolutionary Forces. Maioios'
General:
have the honor to acknoWledse !"
receipt of your communication OF tou''
and am much pleased at the ACTON -
have taken. | greatly regret liidt
have not a clear understanding o. ~
position and motives, and trust III,
my explanation. assisted by tile -,
ference | have invited will make 'h'
clear to you.
In my official capacity. l am mere
the agent of The United States Cover