"We shall probably reach Manila early on morning of March 10. Have
so informed Otis."

This shows the strong impression the Manila news made in the War
Department, of the attempt to burn the city, which was part of the
announced plan of the insurgents. Filipino spies and sympathizers
had been watched by the American troops day and night seeking to
locate places of weakness. Many were captured. Some of them were
disguised in women's clothing. Plots of all kinds were rife. There
had been constant fear for weeks in the city that a massacre and
conflagration would be attempted. General Otis warned his officers to
be ever vigilant. Since the first battle our troops have guarded all
quarters within the lines. The conclusion of the very serious phase of
the incendiary period was announced by General Otis in this dispatch:

"Manila, Feb. 24.--To Secretary of War, Washington: Scandia arrived
last night. On nights 21st and 22d and yesterday morning insurgent
troops gained access to outskirts of city behind our lines. Many in
hiding and about 1,000 intrenched themselves. Completely routed
yesterday, with loss of killed and wounded about 500 and 200
prisoners. Our loss was slight. City quiet, confidence restored,
business progressing.

_Otis_."

On the afternoon of February 25th it was stated in a Manila cablegram
that the military police had raided several suspected houses in various
districts, capturing small bodies of twenty or thirty prisoners
in each place. This and the 7 o'clock order effectually dispelled
the fears of a threatened outbreak of the natives, who do not dare
singly, or collectively, to appear on the streets after dark. The
feeling in the city decidedly improved, although the Chinese were
timorous. Hundreds of applicants for cedulus besiege the register's
office, the natives apparently being under the impression that their
possession insures them from interference and the ignominy of being
searched for arms on the streets.

There was a mystery lasting a day or two about this unusual cable
communication:

"Manila, Feb. 24.--To Secretary of Navy, Washington: For political
reasons the Oregon should be sent here at once.

_Dewey_."

It was not a secret, however, in Manila Bay in August that Admiral
Dewey wanted two battleships, just as he wanted and had needed two
monitors, and that he then preferred the Oregon and the Iowa. He
has deemed it of the utmost importance that he should have a force
at Manila