New-York tribune., 1899-07-18
THE CORRESPONDENTS PROTEST.

wrrHHELD-TExT OF THE STATEMENT.
Manila July IL cv1a Hong Kong. July ID
The constantly increasing strictness OF the
censorship OF press dispatches from Manila,
which has prevented the sending by cable 10 the
United States OF anything that did not reflect
official views Of important events and condi-
tions resulted in a united effort on the part OF
correspondents here to secure an abatement OF
the rigor OF the censorship. The initiative in
this direction was taken a month ago. and re-
suited In the framing Of a statement which was
presented on Sunday July Q, to Major General
ElweH s. Otis, commanding the military forces
of the United States in the Philippine Islands
with a request for permission to telegraph 1t to
the United States
The correspondents also asked that they be
allowed 70 dispatch TO their respective papers al
facts and the different phases Of events as they
took place here. The correspondents had two
long interviews with General Otis. IN the course
OF which they complained that the evident pur-
pose Of the censorship was. not 10 keep infor1na~
ton from the enemy, but 10 keep from the pub
lie a knowledge Of the real condition Of affairs
here. II was also asserted b. the correspond
ents that newspapers printed in Manila whicn
reach the enemy quickly, are permitted to pub
lsh statements similar 10 those which CORE
spondents are forbidden to send by cable. II
was made clear to General Otis that the objec-
ton was TO the system. and not to the censor
General Otis finally promised greater liberal
ity. agreeing 10 pass all matter that ne might
consider not detrimental TO the interests OF the
United States General Otis appointed Captain
Green. Of his staff. -ensor.
The statement Of the correspondents is fol-
lows:
The undersigned. being all star correspondents
Of American newspapers stationed IN Manila, unite
in the following statement:
We believe that owing official dispatches from
Manila made public in Washington. the people Of
the Unsted States have not -eortvsr correct TN
preston OF the situation In the Philippines. but
that these dispatches have presented ultra-op-
tiuistic that is not shared by the general off,
GERS IN the field
We believe the dispatches Incorrectly represent
the existing conditions among the Fliptnos IN
spect TO internal dssension and Generalization re-
sulting from the American campaign and to the
brigand character OF their army.
We believe the dispatches err In the declaration
that the situation Is Well IN hand" and in the
assumption that the insurrection can be speedily
ended without q greatly increased force.
We think the tenacity of the Filipino purpose has
been underestimated. and that the statements are
unfounded that volunteers willing to engage In
further service.
The censorship has compelled US 10 participate IN
this misrepresentation by excisng or altering un-
COutrOVerted statements OF idCIs On lLo piSd- a.
General Otis stated that ''they would alarm the
people al home" or have the people of the United
States by the ears"
Specifications: Prohibition Of hospital reports
suppression OF full reports Of field operations IN
the event OF failure: numbers Of heat prostrations
IN the Asld: systematic intimidation OF naval
operations, and suppression Of complete reports Of
the situation
JOHN = McUTCHEON.
HARRY ARMSTRONG,
Chicago Record"
OSCAR K. DAVIS
p @. MDONNEIL.
'New-York Sun"
ROBERT NJ COLLINS.
JOHN p. DUNNING.
l. JONES,
The Associated Press.
JOHN F. BASS.
WILL DINwIDDIE.
'Nev-York Herald"
T. D. sKETNE
'Scripps- -McRae Association
RICHARD LITTLE.
Chicago Tribune"