Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-01-14
SITUATION AT MANILA
News From General Otis This Morn
ing is Encouraging.
NO TRUTH IN MUFINY STORY
Troops Which Are to Be Sent to
the Philippines.
NJ RIDER OF A TIV E

MANILA, Philippine Islands, January IA.
The situation here is improving.
a native engineer at the water works, six
miles outside the lines, was murdered on
Thursday evening by an organized gang
of thieves, armed with various weapons.
His wife barely escaped the same fate. The
place was ransacked. The native authori-
ties are investigating the affair, but the
Filipinos disclaim any knowledge of the
outrage.
The War Department officials We're very
much encouraged this morning upon the
receipt of news from General Otis at Manila
that indicated a distinct improvement in
the situation there. The generals dispatch
completely negatives the absurd story from
Madrid that the American troops at Manila
had mutinied and refused to proceed to
1loilO, thus neCesSitating the withdrawal of
General MiIler's expedition against that
port.
Although the statement has been made
before. it is just well to repeat the fact
that Gen. Otis is absolute master of the
situation wherever he has planted his foot
and is undoubtedly able TO carry out any
policy within reason as to the treatment
OF the natives that the administration shall
dictate.
He has not by any means abandoned the
conciliatory attitude he adopted toward the
FD1pInoS some time ago, and is earnestly
seeking to impress upon the natives that
lowing the sound advice laid down for their
guidance in the Presidents proclamation.
Success of Policy Expected.
There are indications that encourage the
officials here to believe that this policy will
succeed, although it cannot be expected. in
view of the suspicious nature of the Fill
ipinos, based upon their previous ill-treat-
ment by the Spaniards, that they are to be
convinced at once of the absolute good faith
in which Gen. Otis is acting toward them
The 9th Re giment of Regular Infantry at
San Antonio, Tex. is being held in read
mess for prompt transportation to the Phil
lpPines, in case it is found that the six in
iantry regiments already under orders to
go there are not sufficient for the proper
administration of military affairs in the ISL
anu Inere are several other regiments
held in reserve for possible service in the
Ihlllpplnes. but so far the 9th Infantry is
the only one directly ordered to hold itself
IN Readiness for such a movement on short
notice.
Regiments which Will Go.
The six regiments now preparing for the
long journey to Manila are the Sd 4th.
Eth, 17th, Goth and I'D, aggregating about
100 troops. The 10Th Regiment will sail
from San Francisco on the transport Scan
dia, January -, and will be the first of the
relnfocements to reach Manila The I'd
4th, Eth and 18th Infantry will make the
canal on the transports Grant, Sherman
ana Sheridan, and this movement will be-
gin In about ten days. Gen. Lawton, who
is to command the troops in the Philip
pines, will accompany this expedition. TAX
Ing passage probably on the Grant, former
ly known a. the Mohawk. The 22d and
probably the 9th Infantry will make the
trip by way of San Francisco across the
Pacific.
Fighting Not Looked For.
The telegram from Gen. Otis was taken
to the White House. The news of improve
ment In conditions was gratifying to the
President, and the officials of the admins
tration who We're informed of it. The Pres
ident discussed with several callers during
the day the conditions in the Philippines
one Of these visitors said afterward that
ne was confident from what the President
mad said to him that there would be no
hghting between the American and insur-
gent forces.