Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-06-15
NEWS FROM MANILA.
The Situation in the Philippines
Described by Gen. Otis.
COMFORT OFRETURNINC VOLUNTEERS
Precautions to BE Taken In Bringing
Troops Home That No Sickness May
Break Out Among Them -Aguinsldo
Declares Himself Dictator.

Washington, June 9.-The situation
In the Philippines is described by Gen.
Otis in the following cablegram:
Manila, June s-Adjutant General, Washing
ton Result Of movements in Morong province
was TO drive insurgents into mountains, cap
turing Antipoli and other towns In that section
within point OF land projecting into bay They
retreated and scattered before our advance,
leaving q dead on field. Our loss was one killed
and few wounded, mostly slightly, City Of
Morong only land route on bay, garrlSoned, all
other troops withdrawn. Inhabitants Of prov
inces profess friendship. ask protection; large
numbers wish to enter Manila, refuse, as city
population is increasing too rapidly. Leading
natives throughout island, including active In
surgent leaders. seek permission TO send fami-
lies to Manila; considered only place Of personal
security.-Otis.
The conclusions drawn by war de-
partment officials concerning the con
dition in the Philippines given in the
dispatch of Gen. Otis are that the in
surgents are little more than marand-
ing bands which will continually de-
crease when the men find that there is
life and liberty under American gov
eminent. The people who are coming
into the American lines asking protec-
ton are considered like those who
sought protection in the forts during
the early stages Of American develop
ment in the west. Nothing is yet said
as to the intention Of Gen. Otis to CON
tinue active hostilities, but this is a
matter that will be left wholly in his
discretion and he will no doubt fight
or rest as the circumstances determine,
COMFORT OF RETURNING VOLUNTEERS.
Washington, June 9.-Gen. Otis
cables as follows regarding the return
of volunteers:
Manila, June s.-Adjutant General, Washing
ton: Oregon request TO defer time Of departure
until 18th; will leave for Portland In transports
Ohio and Newport. Sixth infantry upon ar
rival will relieve CalifornIans Mt Negros Han
cock sails In few days with Nebraska and other
troops.
Gen. Otis has been advised that it is
the wish Of the president that all ar
rangements be made to give the re-
turning troops comfortable voyage
and that the best of care be taken so
that no sickness may break out among
them. 1t is also said that precautions
will be taken not to load the trans
ports too heavily, so that the return
ing troops may have plenty Of room.
AGuINALD0 DECLARES HIMSELF DICTATOR
Manila, June OFT is reported that
Aguinaldo has dissolved the Filipino
congress and declared himself dictator.
The report is credited by the Filipinos
here In Manila. The efficiency of the
insurgent secret service has caused
Gen. Lawton to adopt new tactics in
the campaign north Of Iaguna de Bay.
Instead Of prearranging expeditions,
his troops under Hall, at Morong, and !
Whalley, at Pasig, are prepared to ad-
vance at any direction at a half hours
notice, thus lessening the chances of
the enemy learning the American plans.