Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1899-08-09
His Policy is Sharp, Vigorous,
Decisive Action,
he DECLINES TO DISCUSS OTIS
There WIN BE $4,000 Troops for the
PHILIPPINES, Ready for Active Service,
at the Close of the Rainy Season."
Says Secretary of War.
(By TeleGraph.)

TLATTSBURG, n. Y, Aug. S-Thc
war in the Philippines is to be prose-
cuted with Il visor that ought to re-
suit in speedy cessation of hostilitcs
there.
The correspondent of the Associated
Press saw Secretary Root tonight in
the office of the Hotel Champlain Just
after he had said good bye to the pres-
cent ana was preparing, to take the 9:45
train for Washington. The secretary
referred to his visit to Plattsburg bar
racks this afternoon. where he WITNESS
eed rcgincllca. urIli of the 26tn regi-
ment under command of Colonel Rice.
This regiment has been recruited ana
organized in little over three weeks
and they drilled today like old veter-
ans.
BOUQUET FOR THE 2GnH. :
The progress, Which the officers and
men of the Twentys sixth regiment have
made in drilling in SO short a time is
simply marvellous said Mr.. Root. "lt
shows the wonderful power of the Unit
ed states when ten regiments of volun-
teer soldiers can be recruited, organized
drilled and equipped Tor active service
in the field in SO short a time
"WiH the war in the Philippines be
prosecuted vigorously form now on?"
asked the Associated Press correspond
dent.
with ALL ENERGY"
Mr.. Root turned on MS heel and re-
piled quick as a flash:
Yes, sir, the war in the Philippines
from now on will be prosecuted With all
possible energy Ali the melA IL the
arms and all the supplies necessary to
end the trouble in the islands vii be
furnished at the earliest possible mo-
ment."
"How large force will be at the dis
posal of the commanding general?" was
asked.
There will be $4,000 men there ready
for active service at the close Of the
rainy season, about the last Of October
and more will be sent there if neces-
sary-'
''NoNsENsE,' SAYS MIR. ROOT.
las to the runOr published in some or
the papers that President Mckinley and
he We're not tgrced upon the policy to
be pursued in the Philippines, Mr. Root
said
"Of course that is all nonsense"
When asked whether General Otis
would be relieved of the command of
The American forces in the Philippines.
MIR. Root replied that he had nothing
70 say on that point at this time 1t
would be impossible for any one TO he
more emphatic and determined than
Secretary Root is in his avowed policy
of ending the trouble in the Philippines.
He seldom talks for publication and
the fact that he had just come from Il
two days conference With President Nc
kinley adds interest to his words.
HI, REVIEWS THE REGIME EMF.
Secretary of War Root paid Il visit
To Plattsburs barracks this afternoon
and reviewed the Twcnty-sixth rrgi-
mcnt. He colnplimentcd the men high
ly upon the proficiency they have at
tanned in their drills. Later Secretary
Root attended Il reception in his honor
al the quarters of Col. Edmund Rice,
where he met all the officers Of the rrsi-
mcnt. The secretary spent aout two
hours at the barracks. The regiment
IS now recruited up To its full strength
and Will undoubtedly be one Of the ii.st
regiments ordered to Manila. The reg
iment will probably embarl. at Boston
and so to the Philippians by way Of the
SlItZ