The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-06-02

Washington. May 31.-The secretary
of war today made public the report OF
General Otis. transmitting the reports
of his subordinate officers on the opera
tions around Manila up to April 6th.
General Otis begins with this state
ment:
"These military operations are fairly
we'll presented in the reports and l have
little to add thereto, but desire particu-
larly to call attention to the rise and
development of conditions and circum-
stances which resulted finally in war.
This | deem to be essential in order
to correct the somewhat prevailing i'm
preston that the government of the
United States is responsible, through
deceit or wrongful action, for the pres
ent existing hostilities."
To this end he gives short sum-
mary of the Philippine insurrectlon
against Spain, laying stress on the TACT
that a. small band of the natives OF
LuZon, leaders of the rebellion OF 80
against Spain, were induced for mon
etary consideration to leave the Island.
These men returned to the vicinity or
Manila after the destruction OF the
Spanish fleet there, being, as General
Otis says encouraged without author
ity to attempt the organization OF what
they were pleased to denominate an
indenendent government for the Phil
ippine people
Independence, General Otis says, was
proclaimed by Aguinaldo in August
and as early as June he had warned the
United States authorities against the
landing of it's military forces on Phil
ippine soil without first obtaining his
consent, because, as he expressed IT,
"the Philippine people might consider
the occupation of Philippine territory
by North American troops violation
of their rights"
General Otis says: when the Unit
ed States forces landed from their
transports near and to the south or
Manila for the purpose of attacking the
city, the fiction that they were acting
as allies of the insurgents and IN fur
therance of Philippine independence
appears to have been conveyed by in
surgent leaders"
General Otis describes AguinaldO's s
efforts to strengthen his lines in prepa-
ration for hostilities with the United
States during this time, and explains
the growth of the insurgent indepen-
dent movement
OTIS EFFORTS TO PREVENT WAR
Describing briefly the high tension
that existed at the time, General Otis
includes in explanation Of his course
some highly important correspondence
that passed between himself and Agu-
fnaldo.
Early in January, General Otis was
asked by conservative Philippines to
appoint a committee Of army officers
to meet an insurgent committee by
which peace might be maintained.
General Otis refused to recognize any
insurgent government, but was willing
to negotiate with Aguinaldo or COM
mission appointed by him.
The report sets out in full the CORES
pondence on this subject, which passed
between General Otis and Aguinaldo
The latter named committee consist
ing of three Of his leaders, to confer
with General Otis, with view to an
amicable understanding, but expressed
surprise that Otis would not receive
the commissioners as official represen-
tatives of the insurgent governn .ent.
In his reply General Otis explained
that he was acting merely as the agent
of the United States government. As
such he had no authority to recognize
the Philippine government. He ex.
pressed earnest hope that the commits
sioners named by him and by Aguinal
do would be able, through conference
to dispel the misunderstanding which
existed. He was under strict order,
from the president, he said, to avoit
conflict if possible, but he admonishe'
Aguinaldo that the American troop
were aware Of the Philippines effort
to precipitate hOstilities. He pointet
out that definite policy with refer
ence to the Philippines would have t
be declared by congress and for the &C
tion of congress he hoped Aguinald'
would wait
General Otis says the negotiation
were barren of practical results. Th
insurgent members desired absolut
independence, but were unauthorize
to present any statement they coul
maintain.
INSURGENTS BECOME AGGRES
SIVE.
In the latter part of January the in
surgentS became aggressive, interfer
ing with the American troops, an
finally led General Otis to address an
other letter to Aguinaldo calling atten
-tion to the arrest by Philippines Q