The times., 1899-07-31
MONDAY, JULY 81, 1899.
MIR. Mckin1ey,. Responsibility.

The latest exchange of compliments be-
tween Washington and Manila recalls some
facts Of recent history that are inconsistent
and incongruous.
In despatch sent to Otis during the past
week this remarkable language occurs:
The President directs me to say that he is
perfectly satisfied with the work you have ac-
complished and believes you have done well
as could have been done under the circum-
stances
To this expression OF confidence Otis very
promptly replied as foIlowss
/ appreciate very much the confidence the
President has expressed in me, and assure the
President that ! have no other ambition or
thought than TO fulfill the Presidents instruc-
Iions.
The commanding general in the Philip
pines thus places directly upon the Presi-
dent the responsibility, without the least
division. Of the past conduct of affairs in
the Orient and OF their future management
which Mr.. Mckinley broadly intimates is
to be left to Otis. 1t has been
only few months since the Administra-
tion, by open declaration, absolved itself
of all responsibility for the results of
military operations in the Philippines. At
that time the statement was made by the
Presidents authorized agents that Otis was
the sole Judge Of the situations needs.
that he had been given free hand, and
that be alone was to stand sponsor for re-
suits. This announcement served the pur-
pose of diyerting the country's attention
from Washington to Manila and of shield
ing the Presidential ear from the rasping
noise of clamorous criticism that Otis in
competency had aroused 1t was this that
gave rise to the demand In all parts OF the
nation for an immediate change OF COM
manders in the Philippines. Otis reply to
the War ofiice's congratulations puts an
entirely new aspect upon the case. 81
have no other ambition or thought than TO
fulfill the Presidents instructions" de-
ciares Otis. He has. then. been acting d.
rectly under Mr.. McKinley's instructions,
has he2 And he proposes to continue tn
so act. does he?
Never before in the history OF insurrec-
tions SO remote from the base OF authority
has commanding general been So
supineiy obeisant to the will Of the ap'
pointing power. Never before has soldier
in the field been SO dependent upon initia'
tive not his own
Unless there is shameful juggling in higl
places with a great question, the chang
most needed is in the White House, anC
net In the Goyernor-Generars residence a
Manila II the President authorized tn,
wording OF the despatch to Otis. and II Otis
reply is clothed in the terms and spirit o
truth. full responsibility for the frightfu
situation In the Philippines rests directl.
upon the conscience OF William McKin
ley, and not upon the pliable mind OF poo
.-old Grandma" Otis. The only possibl
escape from this conclusion is offered b
the connection OF Alger's name with tn
despatch of congratulation and confidenc
sent to Manila 1t is barely possible tina
In his determination to shift the mors
obligation for the blunders of the War DE
partment from himself and to pave his re
tirement with palliatipg excuses, Alge
worded and sent the message without th
knowledge or consent of Mr.. Mckinley.
this be not the case, then the resources c
Administration defence win be grievousl
taxed on the day OF final reckoning for th
atrocious blunders committed in the Phi
ippines.