The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1899-02-18
WAS A SEVERE CHECK
Capture of Iloilo Hard Blow to
the Insurgents.
Gen. MiIIer's Victory Much Easier and
Accompanied by Less Bioodshed
Than Anticipnted-wiIl Try 40
Capture Aguinaido.

Washington, Feb. 15.-The conflrma-
ton of the press reports detailing the
capture of Iloilo were received at the
war department Tuesday with consid-
cradle satisfaction. While no appre-
hension had been felt as to Gen. Miller's
ability 10 capture the capital OF the
Visayan federation, or. for that matter,
anything else that was wanted in the
archipelago, the reports of strong in
trenchments that the natives had been
constructing around the town led the
department 10 fear that the landing
would be n bloodier affair than either of
the battles Of Manila. twas with great
satisfaction, therefore. that Admiral
Dewey's dispatch was received. saying
that we had lost no men at all, and the
casualties among the natives were
much smaller than at first reported.
The fact that foreign interests at
Iloilo are being satisfactorily guarded
is another source OF qualification 10 the
administration This forestals criti-
cism or danger Of interference from any
foreign power. which has all along been
complication that had To be consid-
cred as possibility, but which II was
intended 10 avoid at all costs.
What the future will be il is scarce
ly safe TO say. The president, from
the inception of the Spanish war. has
been earnestly IN favor of the most hui
name policy and il is not intended TO
follow the severe check TO the Filipinos
with a war Of subiugation if the insur-
gents will allow this government 70
avoid il. They have had stern les
son at Manila and at Iloilo, and If they
are content to profit by It and come
peaceably into camp they may do so
without fear of further chastisement.
Still il is recognized that Admiral
Dewey and Gen. Otis have much bet
ter grasp of the situation than is pos
sible here, and the administration does
not purpose TO tie their hands with un-
necessary instructions.
Manila, Feb 15.-The reports from
Iloilo. brought by the Petrol, indicate
that Gen. Araneta. commander Of the
insurgent forces. has retired with his
men only 10 the suburbs of the city, out
OF effective range OF the guns on the
warships, and is now throwing up in
trenchments. Evidently the intention
Of the rebels is TO besiege Iloilo COM
pelling the Americans to fight for every
inch OF Panay in the same way that
Aguinaldo is contesting the advance of
Gen. Otis troops in Luzon. IL is ex-
pected that Gen. Miller will move on
the insurgents promptly, provided the
forces al his command are sufficient TO
dislodge the enemy from thesr new po-
sitions.
New York, Feb. ia Washington
dispatch TO the Journal says: Gen.
Otis is expected 10 effect the capture Of
Aguinaldo within a week. AS a result
of the situation il was decided by the
president and his official advisers to
cease American military operations on
the island of Panay with the occupa-
ton of Iloilo. II is believed that IL
Aguinaldo is captured. or his army on
Luzon is destroyed and he fees, the
rebellion will be at an end.
One of the cabinet officers said after
the meeting that an aggressive cam
paign against Aguinaldo was absolute
| ~ fttNnrAi III Ailt itdNOh lH1N lnt
American army must be relieved Of the
constant and wearisome guarding
against surprises by rowing bands Of
| guerrillas and because such warfare
would be kept up as long as Aguinaldo
remained az large.
Instructions were sent Tuesday to
Gen. Otis TO advise Gen. Miller 10 sus-
pend operations against the Filipinos
In Panay. Gen. Miller is expected 20 as
sumo control iof the city of Iloilo, raise
the American flag on the public build
! ings. assert American sovereignty over
the whole island Of Panay and maintain
order under a military government sim
liar TO that with which he was familiar
in Manila.
Expects War with England.