Mr. Day to Mr. Hay.
Spanish Commissioners at conference to-day brought to our notice telegram from their Government, stating it had information that Iowa and Oregon and reenforcements of troops are going to Manila; also that Tagalo rebels have in their possession a large number of Spanish prisoners, civil as well as military. The Spanish Commissioners made no protest, but merely asked us to communicate reports to our Government and represent that such things tend to create a state of public feeling which might embarrass the negotiations.
[Page 929]We answered that, in absence of information or instructions on the subject which properly belonged to two Governments, we would communicate reports to our Government. We made this promise more readily in view of Admiral Dewey’s telegram. We feel importance of preserving, so far as possible, condition of things existing at the time of signing protocol.
Spanish Commissioners said their Government hoped Spanish prisoners referred to might be liberated or turned over to American authorities.
We venture to suggest that it might be advisable for our Government to do anything it properly can to prevent change of status quo in Philippine Islands or development there of disorders which may seem to warrant active measures by Spain or other Governments. Might not our Government in reply to representations which it has received or probably will receive from Spanish Government offer to take more active and positive measures than heretofore for preservation of order and protection of life and property in Philippine Islands?