The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-21
Tits i'm which senator Patterson Was
the AgGressor and MIR. Car
mack "a supporter.
QUESTION BY MR.. BEvERIDGE
THAT PROVOKED 4 LIVELY ISCUs
SION IN THE COMMITTEE.
FiIipinos Led to Resist Americans by
the Speeches of Democratic
Senators and Others.

WASHINGTON, March N.-General Otis
to-day resumed his testimony before the
Senate Philippines committee. Senator
Patterson continued his questioning and re-
ferred to a letter dated Sept. S, 1885, ad-
dressed by General Otis TO Aguinaldo as
The commanding general of the Philip
pines forces" in which he spoke of the sac
rifces made by the revolutionary forces in
the interest of civil liberty
General Otis declared that this related to
their dealings with the ~Spaniards. He ad-
mitted that before the United States army
arrived in Manila and for some little time
before they took possession the insurgents
had the Spaniards hemmed in in Manila.
He denied that he led Aguinaldo TO believe
that the United States would not assume
absolute sovereignty and governmental con-
troll 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 nav
igable waters of these islands. and it's army
devastating their territory, L greatly prefer
to advise my government not to send any
more troops here" General Otis replied that
that was his opinion because he did not
want to see any war. Il wanted to conquer
by peaceable means" said he, but L gave
the impression that there were troops walt
ing"
General Otis said, answering an inquiry
by Senator Hale, that, had the government
taken him at his word not to send any more
throughout the islands. He thought that
his letter should be considered as a whole.
THAT was a period when L was laboring
hard said he, Ito keep the peace, and TO
keep our men and officers from paying at
%tention to the insults received from Philip
pine officers and insurgents"
Answering Senator Patterson, General
Otis said that the m of which Cen
eral Hughes was a member had stated to
representatives of Aguinaldo that no con-
cessions could be made without the sacrifice
of some of the attributes of sovereignty.
General Otis declared that the Filipinos
have no correct idea of liberty. Liberty
with Them said he, lis license"
but what is your standard of qualifica-
ton for self-goVernment2" asked Senator
Patterson.
what kind of a government" answered
General Otis. ID you mean despotic gov
No; self-government, was Senator Pat
terson'S response.
General Otis said they were perfectly
qualified for a deSpotic, military govern
ment.
Senator Patterson asked If he considered
the people of Mexico qualified for self-goV-
m to which senator Beveridge OBJ
jected. but before the chairman could de-
eide the point General Otis said he declined
TO answer.
senator Patterson remarked that ne had
no means of forcing a reply lat present
General Otis declared that he did not
measure the capacity of the Filipino for
self-government by the capacity of the
United States, and characterized as unfair
the effort of Senator Patterson TO get him
TO fix the standard by a comparison with
other people.
General Otis. replying to Senator Dubois.
said the Introduction of the Chinese coolie
labor law would be unwise. Japanese labor,
he thought. would be the most acceptable
because they affiliate readily with the Fill
pinos.
A question by Senator Beverage regard
ing the effect upon the Fflipinos of litera-
ture sent from the United States precipi-
tated a lively discussion. General Otis said
when Mabini was brought in he had A pile
of New York papers with him which had
antagonized the sovereignty of the United
States in the Philippines.
did he nave n senator's speeches?"
asked Mr.. 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 sena-
tors speeches.
Senator Patterson interjected the remark
that senators should not be attacked from
masked batteries.
II asked the extent to which it gave aid
to the Instruction" said Senator Bever-
idge.
when the senator from Indiana" re-
torted Senator Patterson, "propounded that
question ii involved every senator who is
StdHuluS ny Wudl ne believes 10 De SIM
pie justice to the F%ilipinos. | do not pro-
pose to be assailed from behind a masked
battery"
Senator Allison thought that where a
senator's name was involved ii gave him
the right to come before the committee and
defend himself and such references should
be excluded.
Senator Carmack With much earnestness
said he wanted to take his part of the re-
spOnsibility for saying that the war i'm the
Philippines is utterly and absolutely in
famous and criminal. IF any proof can be
made that L am melting Filipinos by such
speeches" said he, Il want il done"
After some further discussion Senator
Beverage disclaimed any intention to re-
fleet on any senator and withdrew his
question. General Otis concluded his testi-
mony by submitting some comments on the
memorial of the Manila Chamber of Com
merce. The committee then adjourned.