Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-14
GEN. WHEELER's INTERVIEW.

The Dispatch looks for contradiction.
or. at least. for an explanation OF the
interview with General Wheeler, pub
nshed in the Montgomery Advertiser and
telegraphed over the country.
We know that the Advertiser is careful
as TO the matter 1t publishes, but in this
ease the statement attributed to General
Wheeler is in the face Of facts that are
evident TO every one.
1t is lnconceivabe that the President
should be reducing our army as rapidly
as he is doing if he is apprehensive of a
renewal of the war.
OF course. Spain will be 10th TO cede 10
Us any considerable area of territory in
The Philippine Islands, but she has abso~
utely no choice but to comply with our
demands. she has the right to expect
that this country viii be reasonable in
It's terms of peace, but whether we are
so or not, from her point of view,
she cannot but accept our terms How
could she go TO war again without a
feet? When she had a score of vessels
she could make no Roadway against us,
and now for her 20 renew the fight in her
crippled condition would be but to pat
herself in a position where she could
hands.
And that that is the view which obtains
at Washington we may fairly assume from
the fact that the President is rapidly
putting our army upon a peace-footing;
that is to say, he Is reducing it toi
degree which it will probably maintain
for many, many years to come 1t is true
that a number of volunteer regiments
are TO be retained in service, but eventu-
ally their places will be taken by regu-
lars. for all the outgivings from Wash
ington are TO the effect that our regular
army is to be increased to 10000.
While we see no probability of a re-
newal of the war with Spain, we think
II quite likely we shall have trouble with
Agunaldo, and possibly with the Cubans,
but both of these contingencies have been
anticipated.
At present Aguinaldo is decidedly az
gregsive. In his recent operations he
has taken possession of all the Philippine
country. except Manila, Cavite, and a
small portion OF Alhay. His purpose
seems clear. 1t is evident that he wishes
10 defeat any design we may have of
annexing those islands. He wants to
establish native republic free from
the authority OF the United States and
Spain That is 10 new idea Of his, but il
must be admitted that It is only of late
Hitherto he has been content to co-ope-
rate with our forces; now he is acting
quito independently Of them.
So there may be, and doubtless is, good
cause for apprehending trouble in the
Philippines; but OF one thing we may be
quite sure. and that is, that Spain would
sooner surrender the Philippines to MS
than to. Aguinaldo.
But TO return TO the Wheeler inter-
view: We think the Advertisers reporter
But IL the interview be correct, then we
must suppose General Wheeler misunder-
stood the President. How could the
President explain his Inconsistency IN
mastering out so many soldiers 81 be
expects a renewal of the war with Spain?
The present policy OF the administra-
ton Is 10 get the soldiers Nome as fast
as possible, but II a renewal Of the war
were expected We should doubtless find
the President holding fast TO every officer
and enlisted man now In the service.
Yet no later than Monday. an order was
issued diseharging several regiments ana
battalions! +