, evidently prepared in advance, was
made all along the American lines, which resulted in a terribly
destructive and sanguinary repulse of the insurgents.

Ten days later an order of the insurgent government was issued to its
adherents who had remained in Manila, of which General Otis justly
observes that "for barbarous intent it is unequaled in modern times."
It directs that at 8 o'clock on the night of the 15th of February the
"territorial militia" shall come together in the streets of San Pedro
armed with their _bolos_, with guns and ammunition where convenient;
that Filipino families only shall be respected; but that all other
individuals, of whatever race they may be, shall be exterminated without
any compassion, after the extermination of the army of occupation,
and adds: "Brothers, we must avenge ourselves on the Americans and
exterminate them, that we may take our revenge for the infamies and
treacheries which they have committed upon us. Have no compassion upon
them; attack with vigor." A copy of this fell by good fortune into the
hands of our officers and they were able to take measures to control the
rising, which was actually attempted on the night of February 22, a week
later than was originally contemplated. Considerable numbers of armed
insurgents entered the city by waterways and swamps and in concert with
confederates inside attempted to destroy Manila by fire. They were kept
in check during the night and the next day driven out of the city with
heavy loss.

This was the unhappy condition of affairs which confronted our
Commissioners on their arrival in Manila. They had come with the hope
and intention of co-operating with Admiral Dewey and Major-General Otis
in establishing peace and order in the archipelago and the largest
measure of self-government compatible with the true welfare of the
people. What they actually found can best be set forth in their own
words:

Deplorable as war is, the one in which we are now engaged was
unavoidable by us. We were attacked by a bold, adventurous, and
enthusiastic army. No alternative was left to us except ignominious
retreat.

It is not to be conceived of that any American would have sanctioned
the surrender of Manila to the insurgents. Our obligations to other
nations and to the friendly Filipinos and to ourselves and our flag
demanded that force should be met by force. Whatever the future of
the Philippines may be, there is no course open t