The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-06-07

Fne FII1dno Var and How it
Bega Eulnaldo Always
knsoient.
NJ ashiDgton, May 81 The secre
tsry Of war today pade public the
report of Gen Otis, transmitting the
reports Of his subordinate officers on
the operations around Manila up to
Apra s.
Gen Otis begins with this state
menf These military operations
ARE fairly well represented IN the re,
nerts and I have little to add thereto,
but desire particularly to call atten-
tention TO the rise and development
of conditions and circumstances
which resulted finally in war. This
5 deem 20 be essential in order to
correct the somewhat prevailing i'm
pressiou that the government of the
United States is responsible through
deceit or wrongful action for the
present, existing hostilities.
20 ais;s end he givesa short sum.
mary Of the Philippines insurrection
against Spain, laying stress on the
fact that : small band Of natives of
Lnzon. ieaiers Of the rebellion of .96
against Spain. were induced for 9
monetary consideration to leave the
inland Taese men returned to the
3 vicinity 4 d M of Manila after the destruc.
siiion sc the Spanish feet. they being
sas Gen. Otis says. encourages with
ont authority 70 attempt the organiza
stion Of what they were pleased to
sdenominste "a independent govern
ment for the Philippine people. !"
IndepeDie1ce. Gen Otis says. was
proclaimed By Aguinaldo in August
and early 30 July he had warned the
Un7fed States authorities against the
landing of its military forces on Phil
iDpine sol without first obtaining his
consent. because, as ahe expressed it,
.sthe Philippine people might consider
she occnpasion Of Philippine territory
bys North american troops violation
of their rights y
Gen. Otis says When the United
States forces landed from their trans
ports near and to the eonsa of Manila
for the purpose of attacking the city
the. fiction shat they were acting as
allies of the insurgents and In fur
thersnce OF Philippine indefence ap
pears to have been conveyed by in
snrgents leaders "
Gen. Osis describes Aguinaido's
efforts TO Strengthen his lines in prepa-
rsaion fer hostilities With the Uoited
States dsring this time and explains
she growth of che iasurgens indepea-
dent movement.
Describing briefly the high tension
that existed at the time. Gen. Otis
includes 10 explanatioo Of his course
some highly important correspondence
that passed botveen himself and
Aguissldo.
Early in January Gen. Otis was
asked By conservative Fllipinos 10
appoint committee Of army ofhsers to
meet 40 iosurgen. committee by which
peace might be maintained. Gen.
Otis refused TO recogaize an insurgent
soyerDmeos bat vss willing to negotiate
With Againaldo or . commission ap-
pointed BY hiu.
The report sets oat in foil the
correspondence on this subject which
psssed between Gen. Otis and Agaiosl-
DO. The latter asmed oommissios
consisting Of three Of his leaders to
confer With Gen. Otis. with view to
au amiesble understanding but express
easasprise that Otis would not receive
the eomssissioners as official represents.
tiyes OF the issetgent government.
In his rspiy Geo. Otis explained
th.s be was setting merely IS the .gen.
of tbe Doi,ed Ststes goveromens As
saeh hs had no authority to recognize
the Filipino zovernweot aud could not
receive, officially, representatives OF
that government. BE expressed earn.
ess hope that the commissioners named
BY him aud by Aguiosldo would be
able through conference to dispel the
misunderstanding which existed. He
vas under strict orders from the
president. be said to avoid conflict if
possible, but he admonished Aguinaldo
that che Anericsu troops we're aware Of
the Filipioos efforts to precipisste
bostilities. BE pointed out that a
eefoite policy With reference to the
Philippines would have to be declared
by congress aud for the action OF
congress be hoped Aguinsldo would
wait.