The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-03
Several Regiments from Eastern
Francisco for EmbarkatiOn.
GENERAL OTIS At HONOLULU
ANOTHER DETACHMENT OF MER-
RITT'S ARMY GIVEN A WELCOME.
Details of the Capture of the LadrOnes
by the Cruiser CharlestOn-Ger-
many's Policy Explained.

WASHINGTON Aug. 2.-The officials
here make no concealment of their appre-
hension of serious trouble to follow the
execution of our programme in regard to
the Philippines. The reports of the mill
tary and naval commanders of late have
contained warnings of expected conflicts
with insurgents, and no surprise will be felt
at the receipt of news Of an outbreak at al
most any moment The United States gov
ernment feels that it has assumed a moral
obligation towards not only the foreign resi-
dents at Manila, but towards the unprotect-
ed classes of the Spanish community-wom-
en-, children, nuns and priests. Therefore,
when intimation came that the insurgents
were threatening the lives of some helpless
monks, orders were sent to the American
military commander to look into the matter
and to act in the interest of civilization and
humanity. AS, according to report, the in
surgents have shown particular hostility to-
wards the monks, it is reasonable expec-
tation that before long a collision will have
occurred between themselves and the Amer
lean troops if the latter undertake to inter-
fere in the execution of the vengeance OF
the insurgents.
Although the War Department officials
will not admit they have any intention of
vite, there is reason to believe that some of
the troops now in Eastern camps who de-
sire to see active service will soon find the
opportunity, unless the government shall
change it's present plans with respect to the
Philippines. 1T is believed to be necessary,
even if our claim is limited to the terms
stated in the conditions submitted to Spain,
namely-to the military occupation and gov
of ffo shores
the bay of Manila, to furnish to General
Merritt a larger force than he has now at
his command. 1t is realized that 10000 SOL
diers can scarcely be expected to maintain
United States possession and protect the
inhabitants over a territory of this extent,
for it must be remembered that the Bay of
Manila is twenty-five miles long from the
entrance at Corregidor island to the city of
Manila, at it's head. 1t will also be neces-
sary to possess and protect zone extend
ing some distance back of the city, in order
to make sure of the preservation of the
water works. OF course, a considerable
force would not be necessary if the insur-
gents under Aguinaldo could be brought to
realize that their interests lie in permitting
undisputed possession of this territory by
the United States. But it would be expect
ing too much of the native character to keep
before the eyes of the insurgents the rich
loot to be had in Manila without an ade-
quate force to protect the place. Then,
with the growing heat and dampness, it is
to be expected that illness will develop
among our troops, not to the extent that it
appeared at Santiago, but sufficient to re-
quire some of the men to be invalided home
and their places to be taken by fresh troops
from the United States. At present the
large majority of General Merritts force is
composed of troops drawn from the Pacific
coast or far Western States. 1t is pre-
sumed that If he shall be reinforced the
Eastern troops will be given an opportunity
to make the long voyage to Manila, as this
would be in accord with the policy that the
War Department has now adopted of TAX
ing geographical considerations into ac-
count in allotting the troops for active
service at the front.