The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-07-04

their gallant comrades will ever be in
scribed in the brightest records of
American valor. There has been no
lack of vigorous leadership, and no lack
of faithful and aTduous service in the
ranks The only trouble has been that
our numbers have not been great
enough to overwhelm the insurgents
and crush the revolt
Where is the fault, if fault there be?
What is the public feeling of which we
have been conscious within the past
weeks? The American people have not
changed their spirit or purpose; they
Tnanfully accepted the responsibilities
and the duties which came with the
war Of last year and they accept them
now They have no thought of shrink
ing from the obligations which have
fallen upon them Instead of abandon
ing this work they are more determined
to proceed with it: their feeling is not
one of hesitation and doubt, but rather
one Of Impotence to accomplish i'm
mediate and conclusive results. Hence
comes the suggestion that the president
shall call out the full maximum of vol
unteers with the hope of crushing the
revolt in a short and decisive campaign
This is natural impulse and 1t de-
serves to be treated in a frank and can
did manner. What, then is the situa-
ton?
= am not here to criticize. Each
branch of the government is responsible
for its own action But it is only fair and
just to state facts and to show precisely
what the president had to meet Not only
did the opposition, BY delay in the ratiti-
rection. but the enasculatei army bin
crippied the power Of suppresstng it. The
president was compelled at the same time
Construction of the army. Under the
statute. When the treaty of peace with
Volunteer entitled to be discharged, but
every regular above 1850 was required
to be mustered out The president then
was confronted, in the midst OF the in
a large part Of the force in the Philip
pines. and. of being compelled to substi-
AEN1eS-
with the difficulty. in the presence Of
more than 1000 trained and disciplined
men from the fighting line while the cam
places with new forces
right of immediate discharge our army
would have been seriously crippled and
disastrous results might have followed.
they made answer which reflects immortal
glory. upon the American citizen and the
- We are entitled to discharge: we want
to return to our homes and families; but
nevertheless, We Will stay here ana hght
on and will not leave our posts until
the government is ready to put others in
our places
TT vas magnificent exhibition Of the
devotion and patriotism OF true Ameri-
cans. Nebraska holds high place on
that lustrous roll Of honor Two days
been at the front and shared in the tri-
umphs and gfories Of the campaign. sailed
these heroes will be here to receive your
welcome and TO wear the well earned lau-
They were entitled to come in March. but
with that noble and chivalrfc spirit which
has ever distinguished the American SOL
der. they declared that they would hold
their posts on the fighting line until the
government was ready to make their
places good with equally true fighters, and
now they come only when others are there
and on the way TO carry forward the flag
Of the country which they have 50 bra ye-
The foresight and care of the president
permitted this to be done without any
detriment- He might have called for
T~fa1rrr wis i'm n n n
he might have accepted the great mum hers
who would have fastened to respond to
that call: he might have sent these undis-
cfplIned and unacclimated levfes to be-
but he did a wiser and surer thing. Re
CURED by the army Dill practically to or
ganize a new army, he directed, fmme-
diateiy on the passage of the bill and on
work Of recruiting should be carefully
undertaken The recruits enrolled have
mum bered more than a thousand a week;
% Der cent of ali who have applied have
the standard: fully 20 per cent Of those
accepted saw service in the Spanish war
Of last year These recruits. with the re-
e1iiSrmentS. number al told about 1000
men. so that now when many loyal and
earnest people. without having under
stood what has been going on. are asking
that volunteers may be called out to crush
the Instruction. they awake TO find that
and that instead of being obliged TO ra5se
and hurry forward raw troops. the gov
eminent IS able TO give General Otis from
90 to 40.Oet OF the best trained and most
effective soldiers IN the world With such
a force of such quality at his command
when the rainy season IS over and the
desire Of the country for a short sharp