Iloilo, an Episode of January, 1899, and Strained Relations in Manila
Philippines--History--Revolution, 1898-1901.
Excerpt from Iloilo, an Episode of January, 1899, and Strained Relations in Manila, Vol. 6: First Series; February 25, 1901 December 13, 1898, General Otis received a petition from certain business men in Iloilo, asking for American protection there. Next day he cabled to Washington telling of the petition, stating that the Spanish authorities were still holding out in Iloilo but would receive American troops, and asking for instructions. December 23, those instructions arrived. The President directs that you send necessary troops to Iloilo, to pre serve the peace and protect life and property. It is most important that there should be no conﬂict with the insurgents. Be conciliatory, but firm. General Otis at once cabled General Rios, in command of the Spanish troops at Iloilo, that he was sending a large American force. On the 24th, General Otis heard that General Rios intended to leave Iloilo that same day. Efforts were immediately made, says General Otis, to communicate by other means with General Rios before he could evacuate the city. Lieutenant Colonel Potter was sent at once on a coasting vessel to Iloilo.