The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-02-16
THE PHILIPPINES PROBLEM.
ApNiCEs a MONTH AGO PREDICTED
THE PRESENT SITUATION.
Replied To by Agutnnldo. whc re-
fuses to Recognize Authority.

SAN Francisco. February 15.--Adviccs
from Manila, dated January IL, say:
"a more difficult problem than that with
which the governor general of the Philip
pines is confronted at the present moment
it would be difficult to tnegine, for, unless
the Philippines recede from their position
the situation in u NIT shell amounts To
this. The Americans must either fight
and subdue the rebels or withdraw from
the archipelago
''As II matter Of fact, the PHILIPPINES
have been and are belug recognized Of.
ficially all the time because in order to
avoid unnecessary blouaahed. the American
authorities have been compelled TO treat
with them. striking illustration of this
point occurred on December q last. when
the two forces were probably nearer
| conflict than at any other period since the
occupation of Manila. Up to that date
the sentries of the two forces had guards
Lat opposite ends of the Pace bridge,
stone structure across u ten-foot creek on
the outskirts OF the city but in accordance
with instructions. the American officer OF
the day essayed to post his sentry in the
center of the bridge. The PHILIPPINE guard
objected, however, and when protest was
made, informed the Americans that AT .
o'clock the next morning they would fro
on the American line unless the sentry
| was withdrawn. At tho appointed time
| Major General Anderson and some 1000
men were on hand but after n conference,
the Philippines were recognized 10 extent
that the sentry was withdrawn to his
former position, and tho Amerlcan. troops
marched back to the quarters without
having a chance TO fire.
The issuance OF General Otis proclama
! ton regarding the intention OF the Ameri-
| cans IA the Philippines gave Aguinaido
/ tho opportunity Dc desirta ana IN less
/ than Twelve hours alter the former was
! published the sailipinos response was
posted upon the wallis OF the city. It's
I erect was instantaneous upon the natives
generally and their attitude was such that
! IT. was deemed advisable to keep the en-
| tire army OF occupation in quarters and
| under arms, in order that it might be
ready If an emergency arose.
| The trivial incidents which occurred
| simultaneously in different parts OF the
| city occasioned Il false alarm at 2;30
| o clock on Wednesday afternoon and the
I cNtlTG CORPS NBS CHieu 10 dItDs. w iLlIn
| fifteen minutes after the echoes OF the
| bugles had died away the whole force was
under way ready for action. While this
| created somewhat Of sensation the
| promptitude with which the troops re-
| sponded TO the call had the effect of re-
| storing confidence.
| Meantime the insurgents have concen- 4
trated their forces on the outskirts OF the
| city and are strengthening their position
every day. Orders have been issued that
they shall act only on the defensive, which
! indicates a disposition to avoid trouble If
possible. An accident may, however, pre-
cipitate a conflict at any moment.
| In his proclamation TO the natives oi
the Philippines, issued on January 4. Ma
or General Otis said that by the war
against Spain the United States destroyed
the power Of that nation and Intended
to give the blessings Of peace and indlvid-
ual freedom to the Philippines. that we
are here as friends OF the PHILIPPINES to
protect them In their homes, their em-
ployment and their religious liberties. All
persons who by active aid or honest en-
deayor cooperate with the government OF |
the United States TO give effect to these
beneficent purposes VIII receive the reward |
OF its support and protection
THE president has authorized that tbs |
laws of the country in respect to priYa |
rights and property and the repression |
Of crime are to be considered TO be cyn- /
be applicable to a free people and should |
be administered by the ordinary tribunals I
of Justice. presided over BY representa-
tives OF the people and those In thorough |
sympathy with them In their desires for
good government; that the functions ard
duties connected with civil and municipal
administration are to be performed by
such officers as wish to accept the as
slEtance of the United Sta,es chosen IN
so far as it may be practicable from
the inhabitants Of the island that The
management OF public properly and reve-
nues, and the use OF all public means of
transportation are 10 be conducted under
the military authorities until such ar-
thorties can be replaced by civil admin
istration.
IAN private property, whether Of in
diylduals or corporations, must be re-
spected and proteciea. u private prop,
erty be taken for military uses IL shall
be paid for at a fair valuation IN easn
II possible, and when payment In cash is
not practicable at the time receipts there
for wili be given 10 be taken mp ana llqui-
dated as soon as cash becomes ayailaolc.
The ports OF the Philippines snail De open
10 the commerce OF all foreign nations
and goods and nerchardise not provided
for by military authorities shall be ad- [,
lnitted on payment Of sueh nues am
charges as shall be in force at the TINE
Of Importation"
After quoting President Mcnihiey M
structions. General Otis says: II am
fully of the opinion that IL il the in
tonfion OF the United States government,
while directing affairs generally 10 ap-
roint the representative men now form
Ing the controlling element Of The Philip-
pines to civil positions OF trust and re-
and 1t Will be my aim TO
ippcint such PHILIPPINES as may oe ac-
,eptabIe to the supreme authorities at
1T is also my belief that II i the inten-