Fair play., 1899-02-11

force his way ashore and hold his own
Thus, rather as a formal authorization
for he did not need the instruction
Dewey was told to cooperate fully
with Gen. Otis in any measures the
latter might take.
Quietly Moved His ships Into Position.
1t is believed that it was unknown
to the insurgents. but some of tn.
American war ships were quietly
moved into positions where they per-
fectly commanded the insurgent
trenches, and could shell them with ef-
feet in case of an outbreak. This
movement was effected more than ten
days ago, and the administration had
not felt serious apprehension of Gen.
Otis ability at least to hold his own.
The American position might have
been greatly strengthened, it is said,
by judiciOus extension of the lines
| in certain directions and also by tax
ing summary measures to prevent the
operations of the insurgents in taking
up positions and organizing forces.
Perpirxing Situation.
| President Mckinley took the view
that perhaps under strict construction
of the terms of the protocol. which still
holds good in the absence of the ratifi-
cation of the treaty. he lacked authori-
! ty to extend the field of occupation OF
the Americans. The fact that the in
surgents themselves have been the first
to break the truce. practically releases
the United States from further obliga-
tiOn in this respect. so that Gen. Otis
was unquestionably warranted. in the
ir extending his lines as Dewey re-
ports he has done.
The situation ii regarded here as
rather anomalous from diplomatic
standpoint. Legally the Filipinos are
still Spanish subjects. Therefore. If
operations continue outside of Manila
as laid down in the protocol. it will
amount to resumption of the war
with Spain. at least technically.
4 Little Flaw In Dewey. DI.patch Causes
Comment.
Officials noted one little flaw In
Dewey's dispatch, in which he spoke
of the American army and navy as
generally successful" conveying just
the least intimation that at some points
the results We're not as satisfactory as
at others. 1t is inferred here that this
might mean the development of weak
ress at some of the more exposed
points on the American lines. which
might be easily explained by the fact
that the attack was made at night,
perhaps in places where the insurgents
could creep upclose under the shelter OF
the tropical jungle that grows nearly
into the town of Manila
Full Confidence in Gen. Otis.
Every confidence. however. is felt
that Gen. Otis is master of the situa-
ton. This confidence is based not
only on late cablegramS. but from re-
peated assurances to that effect con-
veyed by Gen. Otis to Washington
from time to time during the past few
months. The forces under his com
mand. as shown by the records of the
adjutant generals office December 10.
the date of the last report. We're a1.6i?
troops. and of these there were pres
ent for duty 1876 men.
Troops Dn Their Way to Manila
approximately 5000 men are IN
their way to join zen. Otis. in four
separate expeditions. though none is
expected to reach Manila for three |
weeks or month. There are the |
Fourth and four companies of the Sew |
enteenth infantry. 1.i2S men. under |
Gen. Lawton. which sailed from Gin
raltar last Friday: the Twentieth in
fantry. comprising 81 officers and 1.26s |
men, under Gen. Wheaton. which left |
san Francisco January p: the Twen-
ty-second infantry. in command ofCol.
Egbert. which left San Francisco early
in the present month. and 1000 men
and officers of the Third and Seven
teeth United States regiments of in
fantry. which left New York Fridac
On the Sherman.
There is a big transport. the Shcri-
dan. now making ready in New York
to carry the Twelfth infantry. I.SoO
men in all and she will start not later
han the nth instant
That is all that can he supplied 10
zen. Otis in the way of ofreinforcements.
according to Gen. Corbin. il the sol
liers are to be of service in this cam
Daign. More. of course. will follow as
'apidly as they can he gotten ready
I Gen. Otis needs them in any future
,perations he may plan. but. as al
'eady stated. il is believed this par
ocular crisis will have passed before
hey can be transported a great dis
ance from the United States.
Tho Cream Of the American Army.
These troops. with those now in
'uba. represent the crea iii of the Ame:-
can army. according to Gen. Corbin.
I is true that only about 5000 of Gel
'tis' soldiers are regulars. but his vol
nteer soldiers have been under thor
ugh discipline and training for
months. and many participated in ib?
attending the capture Of
ianila and are practically as good rs
he regulars. e
he Strength of AxuInaldo's Army tn
known. !
No one here knows the real strength I
the insurgents opposed to Gen. Otis
he accounts of their number are con- /
letting. and none of theme comes d
rom reliable sources. Still. the best r
elief Of the authorities at the war de- u
artmept is that they number about (
1000 men. but they are not compara- c
Ie to the American forces in person. s
el. discipline or quality of arms. 1t c
known that they have some MauserS. I
'me Remingtons and a variety of 9th. e
r firearms. and it is suspected they
ave been quite plentifulIy supplied
ith ammunition from outside sources.
Inferior Troops and Armaments
Taken as a whole, this armament is
acidedlN inferior To that of tho Aunar