The Topeka state journal., 1899-10-12
Alarming Stories by Returning
American Troops.
Maj. Wisenburger of the Wash
ingtOn Volunteers Talks.
SITUATION GLOOMY.
At Manila All Realize a Change
Is Imperative.
Says We Have Accomplished
Nothing Thus Far.

San Francisco, Oct. 12.-Major J. j.
Wisenburger Of the First Washington
volunteers, who arrived on the trans
port Pennsylvania from Manila, sum-
married. the situation in the Philip
pines in these words:
1.-The insurgent forces are better arm
ed, better prOVisiOned and better IN
trenched today than when the rebellion
broke out. 1 am sorry to have to ad-
nit that our commanders have been
outgenera1ed by the Filipino leaders,
but such is the fact. The sort of cam
paign which is being carried on in the
islands will never end the war"
Major Wisenburger knows the condi-
tions as they existed in the islands from
December 2, 1898, when the Washington
troops landed at Manila, until Septem-
Der 80, 1899, when they were withdrawn
to board the Pennsylvania. Major Wis
enburger was off the firing line but
three hours. In every one of the thirty
seven engagements in which the Wash
ington troops participated Major Wis
enburger was at the front. The men
relate innumerable incidents in which
he displayed bravery and seemed un-
conscious of the Mauser bullets which
pattered like hail about him.
THE citizens of the United States
have no idea of the difficulties under
which our troops labor in the Philip
pines," continued Major Wisenburger-
Before the fighting commenced on the
4th of February, 1 was field officer OF
severest fighting afterwards took place.
Days before a gun was fired reported
that the insurgents were throwing up
intrenchments and fOrtifying their pO-
sitiOn in every way. My report came
to the notice of General Otis, but he did
nothing.
Day after day I rode along the in
surgent lines and watched them at
work on the trenches, from behind
which they afterward killed and
wounded so many of my brave boys. A
week before the rebellion broke out L
knew that all hope of peace was ended
Again I reported the activity in the in
surgent camp-told of the strong fOrti-
ficatiOns they were preparing and ask
ed permission for my troops to dig
trenches and prepare for the unaVoid-
able conflict.
REQUEST REFUSED.
my request was refused. A few days
later, at midnight of February 4, lay
with my battalion in an open field be-
side blockhouse No. II, trying to dis
lodge the rebels from their secure in
trenchments, while men were being
killed and wounded all around me be-
cause our position was not properly for
titled Captain Otis of company A went
into this fight with sixty eight men.
Before the morning twenty-five had
been killed or wounded.
1.-THE American people do not realize
the gravity of the Philippine situation.
The entire Thirteenth regiment of reg
ular infantry dropped their arms, their
haverSacl1S and their baggage, and fed
like sheep before a midnight insurgent
attack It was not the fault of the
men. When they have had a soldier s
training they will be the equal of any
men in the islands. They were bundled
aboard their transport before they knew
how to load their guns. When the ship
reached Manila they disembarked at
once and, without any drilling what
ever, were marched to the firing line