New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-04
MAJOR BATES HOME FROM THE EAST.
HE PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE TO THE TROOP!
SENT TO THE PHILIPPINES

HE PAYS A GLOWING TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS
SENT TO THE PHILIPPINES.
Assistant Adiutant-General William G Bates.
who has been with General Greene as chief OF sta fl
al Manila, Is in town for a few days having lust
returned from the Philippine Islands via Hong
Kong, San Francisco and Washington Major
Bates was found by Tribune reporter at his
office at No. 1fs Broadway. He said that he never
fell better in his life and his experiences during the
late war, which. II he attempted to describe them
all would FIJI several volumes had been fun Of In
terest. When asked concerning some of the lead
Ing questions relating TO the retention OF the ISL
ands and the attitude Of the Germans Major Bates
politely but firmly declined to make any statement.
Major Bates left New-York as adjutant Of the
list Regiment. When General Greene received his
promotion and was ordered to Manila Major Bates
was chosen by him aid. Before leaving San
francisco Major Bates was promoted 10 assistant
adJutantgeneral, which position he has held up 10
the present time. The party sailed from San
Francisco the China on June IL. the passage
TO the Bay Of Manila occupying about thirty days.
Major Bates describes the trip and the spirits Of
the men as leaving nothing to be desired. He
said that the Red Cross OF San Francisco did
splendid work in ittng the men out with plenty
Of reading matter and games which helped to
while away many a tedious hour There were
drills each day the way over: also guard mount
and rifle and artillery practice floating targets
The men had mattresses and pillows I'm each
berth, and the food. while nothing more than mill
tary ratons. was OF the best Several nights box
ing and wrestling matches were arranged, and
furnished excellent sport. Singing was chief
source OF amusement In the evening" and some
fine chorus work developed before the Journey
was ended. Taking il all in ALL the ong voyage
across the Pacific was passed in quite a comfort
able manner according TO Major Bates
On reaching their destination. the troops. Of
which there were l.4O0 the China went into
camp at Camp .,ewey. Major Bates said that the
men had much hard work cut out for them and
hardSniDS and
there never a word of com plant o grum bling
The were In the trenches more than three
weeks, during which time X raincd every day.
There not a time when the trenches dry.
Notwithstanding all this there very little sick
ness. He mentioned some cases of fever and stom-
ach trouble.
The advance on Manila was made on the night
OF August 49, and after the city had been taken
Major Bates said, the American troops found good
Spanards who changed their quarters the
churches. General Greene and staff occupied Ad-
mira Montojo's house. Major Bates described II
as a large two-story affair. with sixteen rooms
There were several bathrooms in the house, and
electric lights. Mai Or Bates described the city or
Manila as being well paved and having excellent
system OF waterworks and electricity.
General Greene and party started under orders
from Manila August 80. They sailed on the
who went as Hong Kong. In connection
with the trip going Major Bates could not speak IN
too glowing language Of the hospitality extended
the troops at Honolulu. He said he had never IN
his military experience seen such fine luncheoh
as was provided by the citizens of Honolulu