The Delta independent., 1899-10-27
MORE sLuNDERs OF OTIS.
Fixhting Useless BATTLES and Not Cariag
for the Sick.

Fighting Useless BATTLES and Not CsziaG
for the Sick.
Chicago, Oct. IA cablegram from
Manila to the Record says:
The recent military operations at Po-
rae on the north and San Francisco
de MalabOn on the south were planned
in the office Of General Otis in Manila,
and Of course were approved by the
governor general. Notwithstanding
the fact that it Is claimed the Manila
made plans contemplated only expedi-
tions against the insurgents, the i'm
mediate withdrawal from the regions
captured by the men under General
Schwan. General Grant and General
Macarthur is being severely criticised.
Most Of this unfavorable comment
comes from military men, and they
seem to be of the opinion generally that
great mistake has been made. Every
inch OF the territory which has been
abandoned by the Americans has been
reoccupied by the insurgents. The
critics OF General Otis plans hold that
such maneuvers are most discouraging
to the men and the officers alike. who
feel that their lives are being sacrificed
without any intention OF accomplish
ing results.
II is undoubtedly true that in the re-
cent demonstrations our losses have
been extremely heavy compared with
the advantages which have been
gained. Military men whose opinion
must have weight say that the terri
tory captured must be held by garri-
soning the principal ports and the in
terror towns.
The blockaded ports are filed with
immense quantities Of hemp which Is
not allowed TO be shipped. Foreign
buyers and shippers say that the mar
ket is being ruined and the peaceful
people are being starved by the fail
ure OF the Americans TO occupy and
control the ports and to protect the
rice crops of peaceful natives. 1t Is
claimed that the shortage Of the rice
crop will cause n great deal Of suffer
Ing among the poor.
The officers of the medical depart
ment feel outraged because General
Otis refuses to recognize their dire
needs. For many weeks he has had re-
ports before him showing that there
was an absolute necessity for more
medical officers. more nurses and more
hospital room. Still nothing was done
all through the rainy season. 1t is re
ported that General Otis requested
more surgeons and Eurses last week.
The condition Of the patients at the
first reserve hospital is particularly
pitiable. The hospital is in very bad
shape. Hundreds Of sick are lying in
dirty tents. although for months the
extreme need Of more substantial quar-
tiers constantly has been impressed up
on the governor general. whose failure
to erect or provide sufficient hospital
room may possibly be explained by
General Otis mental attitude. which
caused him to say to correspondents
that 25 per cent. Of the men 10 the
hospitals were malingering.
General Otis recently sent a line Of
ncer. who had no medical knowledge
Whatsoever. to investigate and report
on the sick list Of certain regiment.
Before the governor general took this
action he had received a report through
the surgeon which contained an expert
diagnosis OF each case. His constant
refusal to meet the demands Of the
QuArtefmaster may hamper future
Movements seriously. inasmuch as food
cannot be delivered to the marching
troops.