Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-02-25

(By Telegraph to Virginian- Pilot.)
Washington, Feb. 2i.-Gcneral Otis
to-day cabled the War Department as
follows:
Manila, February "a.
The Scandal arrived last night. On
the nights of 2lst and ODD, and yestcr
day morning, the insurgent troops
gained access to the outskirts of the
city behind our lines. Many are in
hiding. and about one thousand en-
trenched themselves They were com
pletely routed yesterday, with a. loss
of killed and wounded of about 800 and
200 prisoners. Our loss very slight;
city quiet; confidence restored; bust
ness progressing.
(Signcd) OTIS.
ASKS FOR THE OREGON
Washington. Feb. 24-The following
dispatches have been received at the
Navy Department:
Manila, February -.
For political reasons the oregon
should be sent here at once
(S!gned DEWEY.
Manila, February "a.
Yorktown arrived; Charleston and
Petrol cruising around the Philippine
islands; affairs more quiet
(Signcd) DEWEY.
san Francisco, Feb. %.
The oregon arrived at Hilo February
atm ana at Honolulu February 5th The
Iris and Scandia arrived on the 18TH
-------..,. tSlgned) ->l----.- ----.----- GIFFEN.
Mr.. Giffen is dispatch agent of the
Department.
REQUEST CAUSES SURPRISE.
The cablegram from Admiral Dewey
asking for the Oregon was received
with surprise by the officials here. No
one Knew, or least would admit that
ne knew, the nature OF the Dolitic,l
reasons which the Admiral saws de-
mands the immediate presence of tho
peerless battleship.
BEFORE THE CABINET
The cablegram was taken before the
cabinet and fully discussed. The Al
fniral, it is said, possibly feels thar I'M
moral effect of the presence of the big
snip upon the insurgents themselves
ana particularly upon that large cle-
n'eht among the Filipinos that is be-
EeNeu TO be restrained with difficulty
nom Joining fortunes with Aguinaldo,
win whom their sympathies lies. would
be good. But there is an underlying
doubt whether or not the Admiral NAV
not be keenly sighting gathering cloud
IN the East, and is looking to the pre
Vention Of any possible intervention or
interference by European powers In the
struggle now in progress in the neigh
horhood of Manila. 1t is believed that
IN the Dig ires much property of for
eign residents and business concerns
was destroyed That these fires were
caused by the insurgents cannot be de-
MED, and 1t may be that some of the
foreign naval commanders in the East
are disposed to seize upon the preteXt
that their interests demand projection
which we cannot afford them, to make
q landing. or do something obnoxious to
the United States and likely to cncour-
age the insurgents.
FOREIGN INTERFERENCE POSI-
BILE.
With such n strong naval force as
would De AFFORDED by the reinforcement
OF !CeWeyS fleet by the Oregon there
could not be any sound reason, nor even
plausible reason, for any such action
on the part oil third parties. 1t is said
here that up TO this moment there has
been no intimation of n purpose on the
part or any foreign government to file
any claims for pecuniary remuneration
Tor the property of their citizens de-
stroyed in the fires and fighting at Ma
Mia or 1loilo. Just what disposition
would be made Of any such claims is
not indicated here, there is ground for.
the belief that If it can be shown that
our military and naval officers practice
ed the precautions required by interna-
tional law in the matter of giving due
notice to foreigners OF any action in the
way of bombardment that might injure
their property, and otherwise did every
thing that could be done 10 protect the
foreign interests equally with our own,
then there is little Foundation for a
sound claim for damages.
THE OREGON'S WHEREABOUTS.
The Oregon arrived at Honolulu on
the 9th instant, according to the tele-
graphs report that came to the Navy
Department this morning No mention
was made of her being in need of re-
pairs as has ben stated i'll press dis
patches.
Assuming that the battleship really
needed ten days repairs. she should
have started away from Honolulu on
her long run to Manila on the 18th in
slant. Allowing, for detention on ac-
count OF coaling at Guam or some
other point between Honolulu and Ma
mia. 1t Is estimated that the Oregon
will reach Manila about the 10th of
March.
THE CABINETS CONCLUSION.
The Cabinet gave some attention to
Dewcys cable message relative to the
political Importance of sending the
Oregon at once to Manila The depart
ment reached the conclusion that too
much Importance should not be attach
ed to It; that Dewey wants the big ship