The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-01-28
General Otis Says He Can Hold Out
Until Retnforcements Reach Him.
To Reputriatc the spaninrds.

Chicago, January "a Record special
from Washington says: When Agoncillo
learned that the senate had set day lor
voting ON the ratification of the peace
treaty he prepared dispatch to the Phil
ipino junta at Hong Kong, conveying the
news. and is reported to have added the
suggestion that If Aguinaldo was to forci-
bly, contest American control he should
strike the blow at once, as with the
treat, ratified and further reinforeements
the Americans would be in n better POSI-
ton to maintain order. This dispatch, il
is said, was Intercepted and brought to
the attention of the president and See
retaries Alger and Long. Neither seere-
tary will discuss the accuracy of the
statements, but both are said to have for
warded instructions to their representa-
lives at Manila. General Otis and Admiral
Dewey, to warn them OF Agorcillo's sug-
gestions. which must be carried from Hong
Kong TO the Philippines by steamer, as the
American forces are in control at the Ma
nila end of The cable and are exercising
censorship. There is no intention on the
part Of the Americans. so far as can be
learned TO disturb Agoncillo and his sAo-
ciates, but their arrest or deportation would
promptly follow the declaration Of war
against the United States by Aguinallo
and his associates"
Agonciio, the representative OF Agui
naldo. authorizes the following statement
today concerning published report that
the government had Intercepted dispatches
from him to Aguinaido In which he ad-
vised that the PHILIPPINES would have 10
fight for their independence and that now
vns Tho fine TO act 1.-The statement
absolutely false and is calculated to excite
feeling and luminosity in this country ana
TO prejudice the PHILIPPINES cause NO
such telegram has ever been sent by mo
and for that reason no such telegram could
have been intercepted. The faisity oil tho
statement is shown by the fact that have
cebled my government to continue tho
same friendship which was borne on the
battlefield against Spain. The philippians
people have no wish and no purpose to
fight against the Americans unless lhey
are driven to it. Their only desire is TO
strengthen the bonds now existing.
other members of the PHILIPPINE junta
who were present when Agonciiio maze
his statement concurrod In What he said,
and emphasized the latter's declaration
that all his advices had been toward an
avoidance of rupture. III other quarters
/, was stated that Agoncillo had sent as
matches from time to time, three rather
long ones going within the last few days.
According to the Philippines nothing that
has been sent advised hghting, but every
hing has counseIled continued friendship
Under such circumstances the members OF
tho junta assert that any discriminating
disnatches which have come Into the hands
of the government are forgerles II they
,scribe to Agoncillo any advice TO Aguinal-
do to begin lighting
peyond denying this report Agonci''o said
no had nothing 10 make PUBIC
.s IN communications TO or from Agni-
naldo. He expressed the positive opinion
however, that the cable report that ms
philipIno congress had authorized iec.
Iaration of war was not correct, AS ne sas
Inc Philipino people do not want 10 con
aic, with the Amerissnf and VIII DO every
Lining possible to avoid 1t.
The officials at the state department are
mute respecting the treatment TO be no.
corded Agoncilio, tho representative here
Of AguInaIdc, although II Is known taat
lie had been held under surveillance ever
since his arrival In this city. and thai 1t
Was learned that he was In correspondence
over the cables with MS chief, generaliy
through some one OF the Philippine juntae
IN Hong Kong, London on Paris, but
.n.,bar apy telegram has been actually
,n,eroepted can not be learned. There vas
GOOD ground also for the belief that Agon-
,JiIlo was receiving advice from certain
PERSONS inimical TO the policy tho presi-