Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-03-24
ADMITS.
HE N 4 D {
ERRORS
SAYS THAT IF MORE MEN HAD
NOT HAVE BEEN SENT ANAR-
cHY AND CHAOS WOULD
HAVE REIGNED.

WASHINGTON, March 20.-General Otis
TODAY resumed his testimony before the
senate Philippine commission. Senator
Patterson continued his questioning ana
referred to a letter dated SEPTEMBER 2
1898, addressed by General Otis TO Aguln-
aldo as the commanding general OF tne
Philippine forces, in which he spoke OF
'.the sacrifices made by the revolutionary
forces in the interest of civil liberty.
General Otis declared that this related
to their dealings with the Spaniards he
admitted that before the United states
army arrived in Manila and for some httle
time before they took possession the In
surgents had the Spaniards hemmed in
In Manila He denied that he led Aguin-
aldo to believe that the United States
would not assume absolute sovereignty
and governmental control over the ISLANDS.
Asked what\he meant by the statement
in his letter that rather than see the
ships of the United. States navy control
the navigable waters of these islands and
its army devast their territory, greatly
prefer to advise my government not TO
send any more troops here" General OCs
answered that that was his opinion be-
cause he did not want to see any war.
'I wanted to conquer by peaceable
means" said he, ''but gave the impress
sion that there were troops waiting"
General Otis said, answering an inquiry
by Senator Hale, that had the government
taken him at his word, not to send more
troops, anarchy would have reigned
throughout the islands. He thought that
his letter should be considered as a whole.
That was period when was laboring
hard" said he, ''to keep the peace and to
keep our men and officers from paying at
tention to the insults received from Phil
ippine officers and insurgents.
Answering Senator Patterson, General
Otis said that the commission Of which
49, Nan1 t0Fa
to representatives of Aguinaldo that no
concessions could be made without the
sacrifice of some of the attributes of SOW
ereignty.
r General Otis declared that the Filipinos
have no correct idea of liberty. Liberty
with them" said he. rs license"
But what is your standard of qualifica-
ton for self-government?" asked Senator
\ General Otis said they were perfectly
qualified for a despotic' military govern
ment
General Otis declared that he did not
measure the capacity of the Filipinos for
self-government by the capacity of the
people of the United States.
A question by Senator Beverldge regard
ing the effect on the Filipinos of literature
sent from the United States precfpitated
lively discussion. General Otis said that
when Mabini was brought in he had a pile
OF New York papers WIN MIN winch nau
antagonlzed the sovereignty of the Uni
ted States in the Philippines.
ibid he have any Of Senator Hoar's
speeches?' inquired Senator Patterson.
"Oh, yes; those speeches were all over
the islands,. replied the witness.
Senator Allison, who was in the chair,
said he would exclude, any allusion to, the
senator's speeches. Senator Patterson linz
terjected the remark that senator's should
not be attacked from masked batteries.
Senator Allison thought that where a
senator's name was involved it gave him
the right to come before the committee
and defend himself, and such references
should be excluded.
Z Senator Carmack, with much earnest
ness, said he wanted to take his part of
the responsibility for saying that the war
In the Philippines is utterly and abso-
lutely infamous and criminal. If any proof
can, be made that am melting Filipinos
by such speeches." said he, ~ want it
DONE"
After some further discussion Senator
Beveridge disclaimed any intention to re-
feet on any senator, and withdrew his
question. General Otis concluded his tes-
timony by submitting some comments on
the memorial of the Manila chamber of
commerce. The committee then adjourned.