The age-herald., 1902-03-20
Gen. Otis Says He Has Few
 Equals in DupIicHy
HONEST IN MONEY MATTERS
Explains Why He Left Out Certain Words In Ills Proclamation When He Had Been So Instructed
 By the President.

Washington. March 19.-General Otis continued his testimony before the Sem ate Philippine committee today Referring to his order of September 8, 1898, directing the withdrawal of the insurgent troops outside the defenses of Manila General l Otis explained that a committee from Aguinaldo's cabinet visited him. In the discussion which followed he said they did not mention the fact that the towns immediately adjacent to Manila were not a portion of the city. He classed as ridiculous Aguinaldo's request to re- ceive portion of the northern part of Manila, occupied by the Spaniards, in trade for some of the southern part of the city held by the insurgents.
 General Otis said he did not give the insurgents actual permission to occupy the block houses which Aguinaldo claimed had been given. What he had said was: "I don't care anything about possession of them"
 Omitted Word Sovereignty.
 At the afternoon session General Otis, referring to his proclamation, said he expressly omitted therefrom the word sovereignty" because the Filipinos att tached to 1t the meaning the word con veyed to them while under the domination of Spain.
 Senator Carmack called his attention to the difference between the language used by the President in his instructions and that contained in his (Otis) proclamation. and asked why he had also omitted the words "control" government" lawful rule" and authority must remain su- preme."
 General Otis explained that when these instructions of the President were receiv- | ed he was afraid they would be disas- trous and assist the Aguinaldo govern m ent to excite the people of Luson. Gen eraI Otis said he told Admiral Dewe, he did not think the President understoo' the situation and that under the condi tions he would be justified in making certain amendments.
 General Otis admitted that the act o Congress limiting the service of the vol unteer troops until July l. 1901, their re turn to the United States and the for. warding of others to take their places greatly hampered him
 When the trouble in China occurred notice had been passed among the Fiji pinos that the United States would not be able to send more men to the Philip pines and this emboldened them to resist the authority of the government.
 Senator Patterson asked General Otis if the idea of the Filipino people regard ing the hopes and aspirations for inde- pendence was a mistaken one.
 Aeuinaido Was Ambitious.
 No" said General Otis. "Aguinaldo had his ambitions"
 Speaking very deliberately, he said:
 And he was sent over from Hong Kong for the purpose of driving the Span iards out and then attacking the Ameri- cans, I suppose. We have the papers of the original junta.'
 He thought Aguinaldo was performing a double part at that time.
 'If the United States troops had at tackled the Fiiipinos and driven them out of the city when they first got there. it would have been much better" said the general
 'The trouble in Luzon," General otis said, twas caused by the good men being overthrown, because of fear of assassi- nation"
 Until the time of the ratification of the treaty was not the Filipino army there for the purpose of asserting and main taining the Independence of that island by armed force if necessary?' asked Senator Patterson.
 General Otis-They asserted that they wanted to drive the Spaniards out.
 Further on he remarked that what they were there for, he did not know. He had an idea however, formed some time pre- vious to the breaking out of hostilities. that the insurgents intended to drive the Americans out if they could. The Fil- ipino army, he declared, was there to overawe the people in Northern Luzon and elsewhere.
 Never Wanted Independence.
 'sThey never intended to secure inde- pendence but to set up a government un- der Aguinaldo." General Otis continued
 MT. Patterson-Was the Filipino army there for the purpose of phnder?
 General Otis-Yes: and I think they were going to try to drive the Americans into the sea-
 MT. Patterson-Simply to convert them selves into robbers?
 General Otis-Made up largely of rob- bers, yes.
 When you were communicating with Aguinaldo," inquired Senator Patterson. "as the general in command of the Fill ipino forces, did you at heart believe him to be a robber and looter?
 Genera Otis declared he did not say Aguinaldo was a robber and looter. He characterized him as much better than the majority of the Filipinos. In money matters he believed Aguinaldo strictly honest and then bringing his fist down on the table and speaking with great em- phasis the general said
 Tn 70 lG
 Asked by Senator McCommas about the of General Luna. General Otis said there was no doubt that this was Aguinaldo's act
 My opinion of justice,' remarked Sem ator Peterson. Ifs that you should bring here the man who is accused of assassi- nation"