Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-03
CHANGE NOT LIKELY
Military Operations in Philippines
Affected by Rainy Season.
GEN. OTIS ARMY TO Be REINFORCED
Six Thousand Men to Go to His
Relief.
RETURN OF VOLUNTEERS

Official opinion in general Is to the effect
that ne material change is likely to occur
in the situation In the Philippines during
the continuance Of the rainy season. which
usually runs waII into August. and that
active military operations will be practi-
caIIy suspended during that period. Agui-
nald0 and his misguided adherents may
come to their senses in the interval. it is
thought, and submit to the inevitable with
as good grace as possible. but the admin
istratior has about concluded that the Fill
ipiros can only be brought to terms oy Sc
we're and repeated chasJisements.
The government is determined upon the
sUbjugation Of the Insurgents, and unless
peace is restored in the meantime Gen.
Gus Will Institute vigorous, aggressive
campaign against them as soon as the eli
matte conditions will permit. In the mean
time both parties Will resc upon their arms
and content themselves with defending the
territory in their respective possession and
preparing for Il rellewa! of the fray.
Reinforcements for Otis.
Steps viii be taken at once to reinforce
General Otis' army to $4,000 mon. and no
special difficulty is apprehended in securing
the 6.or0 required in addition to those now
on their way and under orders. As stated
in yesterdays Star, the army will be COM
posed entirely of regular troops. and volun-
teeTs viii not be called for, unless it is
deemed to be absolutely essential to the
successful prosecution Of the present mill
tary policy in the Philippines and the West
Indies.
one thing settled beyond question is that
TO such call will be issued at present as
resu.t Of existing conditions in the Philip
pines.
The Secretary of War left here last even
Ing for d three weeks absence in the lum-
Der regions Of the northwest, and it IS
accepted in army circles as settled, that
there VIII be no change in the military
policy during his absence, beyond arrang-
Ing for the dispatch of the 6,Ooo additional
men asked for by Gen. Otis.
The regular army II 2.V;0 short Of It's
authorized strength Of 5000 men, and
every effort Will he made To supply this
deficiency by prompt enlistments in all
parts Of the country. When these recruits
are secured, it will still be necessary to
find 1000 men who are available for serv-
ice IN the Philippines Two methods are
open to meet this end.
One by the transfer Of that number of
troops from the West Indies and another by
drawing upon the 1900 soldiers now per
forming garrison duty in the United States
The regiments ROW in tais country might be
reduced 10 d peace footing. and the troops
so Withdrawn transferred To the Philippines
to recruit the regiments there to the maxi
mum war strength.
Report COntradicted.
OF utilizing troops in the West Indies is
that IT would be much easier. in case of
necessity, to dispatch volunteers rapidly
organized under stress Of circumstances to
that quarter than II would be to mobilize
volunteer troops at Manila. 1t is said at
the war Department that there is no truth
In the report that Gen. Otis has been au-
thrrtzed to reinforce his army by the en-
EStmen- of natives Of the Philippines
Such q proceeding IS regarded by the Off
Gals here as a dangerous experiment and
one not Justified by existing conditions.
Adjt- Gen CCrbin said today that II was
probable the movement for the return home
OF the volunteers in the Philippines will
begin in a day or two. The transports
Ohio ard Senator are now at Manila and
Will probably be utilized in bringing home
the California and Oregon troops which
have been given precedence on account Of
their long service in The Philippines
The remaining volunteers will be brought
home in the order of length of service as
rapidly as the transportation can be effect
ed II is estimated that ii will take from
five 70 six weeks to get the entire Il coo
volunteers out Of the Philippines