OTIS CABLES WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 27, 1898
MANILA, December 27,1898.
(Received Washington, 1.04 a. m.)

ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Washington:

Sent Colonel Potter on fast vessel to Iloilo on 24th, to communicate with Spanish General Rios. Latter evacuated evening of 24th, and Potter thirty-nine hours late. Insurgents took possession of city on 26th and Potter found Aguinaldo's flag flying. Had expedition started three days earlier would have been no difficulty in taking peaceable possession. Can not now report probable results; will not hear from there for four days, as no cable communications. Spanish forces have evacuated all stations in southern islands except Zamboanga, Mindanao, by orders, as they say, from Madrid. Several calls here for troops from southern ports.

OTIS