The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-10
POWDER TO BE A LAST RESORT.
Persuasion VIII he Given Fair
Trial by the American Forces.

Persuasion VIII he Given a Fair
Trial by the American Forces.
WASHINGTON, Jan. "a great deal of
reticence is exhibited at the War Depart
ment relative to the state of affairs at
Iloilo. 1t is admitted that General Otis has
reported to the department the facts that
were reported to him in turn by General
Miller, but all that can be gathered as to
the nature of the communication is that it
goes to confirm the press reports as to the
attitude of the insurgents. There are excel
lent reasons why the officials at the War
Department should at this stage maintain
secrecy as to the instructions governing the
movement of troops in the Philippines. The
situation is admitted to be critical, but not
hopeless by any MEANS and it is extremely
desirable that the danger of a rupture shall
not be increased by infapmatory publica-
tions, which powerfully affect the excitable
Fllipinos. 1t is believed that General Otis
is framing a plan of campaign which will
result in the extension of his control over
the Island of Panay at least without actual
hostilities, or, if it must come to warfare
then with the least possible exposure of
the American troops. Probably the first
step in this campaign has been taken by
this time in the establishment of a camp
few miles from Iloilo and easily accessible
to the war ships. This probably will be
made the base of operations if hostilities be-
come unavoidable The government, how
ever, has not abandoned hope that a peace
full solution can be reached.
The governments instructions sent to
General Miller at Iloilo were to land and
get in communication with the insurgents
This is as far as mis- orders have gone, ex-
cept that when he has established communi-
cation with the insurgent officials and peo-
pie he is to make public the purpose of the
United States Not shot is to be fired by
the forces of this country unless they are
attacked or until further orders are given
from here. This programme was agreed on
between President Mckinley and Secretary
Alger several days ago. Secretary Alger
was at the White House for some time this
afternoon. He stated in the most emphatic
terms that no alarming news has come from
General Otis and that he did not believe a
shot had been fired so far or that one would
be fired He is confident that General Mill
er will be able to handle the situation sue
cessfully and obtain control of Iloio with
out bloodshed. He is of the opinion that
the insurgents have been so long imposed
upon that they are naturally suspicious and
fear the worst if they surrender their
strongholds into the hands of the United
States.
The policy to be adopted now is gentle
one. Persuasion will be used before powder
That will be the last resort and Secretary
Alger is optimistic in his views that it will
never be necessary. The President, it is
said, also views the situation in a similarly
hopeful manner. He believes that the Fill
pinos will become less suspicious when they
understand more fully the intentions of this
country He believes that careful work on
the part of prudent officials will convince
the Filipinos of the earnestness OF the
United States and of the purpose of this
government to protect their lives and prop
erfv