The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-27
OTIS THANKS HIS TROOPS.
TEXT OF MS ORDER OF COMMEN-
DATION ISSUED ON JULY I.

| Praises Their Spirit OF Patience when
They We're Ordered Out to Make War on
| the Fliipinos-How the Conflict started
| seIf-Sncrince and Bravery of tho Men.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 26.-Gen. Otis. in an order
| issued to the troops at Manila on July l, COM
mends the patience OF the troops during the
| trying times Just before the breaking out OF
| the instruction, and explains that his action
| in not moving upon the Filpinos when they
| first became troublesome was In obedience to
| the Governments commands to avoid war.
Not only did the soldiers under his command
avoid war but hc comments particularly on
the fact that they endeavored to placate the
enemy by peaceful and friendly assurances.
The War Department has Just received a copy
OF this order which Is as follows:
Emergencies have rendered IL impossible to
transport to the United States the volunteer
organizations Of the army OF the Philippines as
soop as meditated and desired. thereby pre-
venting their members from joining their
homes and re-engaging in their civil pursuits
for a considerable period OF time. after they ac-
duired the acknowledged right to demand their
release and return. Notwithstanding this un-
expected detention. these soldiers have uncom-
plainingy given to their Government uninter-
rupted military SERVICE attended with deprivo-
lions and dangers to life and health. which
those oftheir countrymen. unaccIuainted with
conditions. can neither realize nor approx
mately appreciate.
This sprit OF devotion to tho country and
its announced humanitarian policy. ma Tested
so abundantly in their individual sacrifices.
has animated them from the day they COM
menced their long voyage OF 1000 miles OF sea
to engage it's European enemy. then repre-
scented in these islands. aud assist the
island subjects to obtain social and poiti-
cal regeneration. 1t did not fail them
when these subjects. freed by their ef-
forts from thu control OF Spain and deceived
by evil-dsposed persons to distrust the
benefcent intentions OF tho United States in
their behalf. placed themselves in hostile atti-
tude with surprising celebrity 1t displayed its
greatest achievement during the weeks Of
waiting and watching when. confined within
tho city limits OF single city by the battle
lines Of n self-constituted enemy. these men
offered neither threat nor violence for insults
received and the hostile demonstrations which
menaced them. On the contrary. responding
to their Governments commands to avoid war;
they vainly endeavored to placate that enemy
by peaceful and friendly assurances.
This obedience to instructions was con-
strued as cowardce by the iDsurRent army
and Influenced 1t to preciptate a formidable
attack. assured not only Of victory but OF its
ability to completely destroy its declared ad-
versary. The victory. in fnct. was won and be-
longed to the American soldiers at the moment
that attack was inaugurated. for they were
then absolved from the duty Of longer self
imposed restraint which they had rigidly en-
forced during the preceding weeks Of anxious
expectancy. whereby they exhibited the
browning virtue OF the highest type
Of civilization. They had achieved the
victory over themselves. and tho easier
task Of confronting an enemy who had assailed
the majesty OF their government alone re-
manned. This they have accomplished most
efficiently. Withstanding tho heat OF the
tropics. It's scorching sun and drenchng rains,
overcoming every obstacle with prolific nature
and willy. active and courageous foe could de-
wise. their onward march has been series Of
astonishing successes. They have responded
with alacrity to every demand made upon them.
however desperate the consequences might APP
pear. and have never failed to more than ac-
comrlsh expected results.
To all soldiers OF the department. the De-
partment Commander desires to acknowledge
his great obligations The country owes them
a debt OF gratitude which 1t cannot repay. To
the volunteers and troops OF the regular estab-
lshment who pledged their services during
the war with Spain only. and have continued to
render them under sacrifices innumerable.
without com laint. and cheerfully. intellgently
approaching as they did the public necessities.
even greater praise and regard are due. Some
have recently departed. All others will follow
in short period Of time and as rapidly as IA
cilities can be secured. The Department Com
mander desires for them a speedy and safe re-
turn to their homes. and that merlted rest and
public gratitude to which their exceptional
services entitle them"