The times., 1899-07-07

Brig Gen. Joseph Wheeler is delighted
with the prospect of service in the Philip
pines. Orders were issued yesterday as
signing him to service there. When seen
by a Times reporter at his apartments in
this city last evening, he said he had been
informed of President McKinley's inten-
tions in this respect and added that he
would be willing to leave Washington for
his long journey to the Orient as quickly
as possible after he receives his orders
from the War Department announcing his
assignment TO the scene of action.
These orders are expected to be issued
by the Adjutant General today. in which
event General Wheeler will leave on an
early train tomorrow. When assigned to
duty in the Santiago campaign last year
General Wheeler started on the first train
departing after the issuance of his orders.
He may do the same thing going to the
Philippines, although he could not say
definitely, last night, that he would. In
reply TO a query he said he expected the
order would be made today and he con-
templated leaving tomorrow.
Since his return to this city from
Omaha General Wheeler has been a close
observer of events transpiring in and
around Manila He has been exceedingly
anxious to serve in the campaign. He has
maintained all along that the operations
against the Tagals and other rebellious
tribes should be short, sharp. and aggres-
sive, that law and order should be re-
stored in the islands at the earliest possi-
BILE date, and the sovereignty of the Ameri-
can Government maintsined at all hazards.
Inactivity has been distasteful to him.
He thought it his duty TO go to the front.
1t may be repeated in this connection.
as has been well known for long time.
that General Wheeler has had his heart
set upon going to the Philippines for
many months. General Wheeler left
Washington for Omaha last week. He
spent several days there, returning last
Wednesday. His trip was of benefit, and
he was a picture of health last night.
notwithstanding his long active career and
the weight of sixty three years.
Lieut.. Joseph Wheeler, Ir., son OF Cen
eral Wheeler. and also the daughter Of the
general are likewise in the city with their
father The sen was yesterday appointed
to serve as a major of volunteers with
one of the regiments to be raised at
large, through TIE recruiting stations OF
the country. General Wheeler is pleased
with the appointment Young Wheeler
is a graduate of the Military Academy at
around Santiago when his father. as senior
officer in immediate command OF the field,
rendered such distinguished service at the
battle of San Jusp, and when as senior
member Of the commission which nego-
tiated the surrender of Santiago he assisted
in the arrauge41ent under which 2S,0eO
Spanish soldiers laid down their arms and
brought the Spanish war to an end.
1t is probable that the Red Cross Society
will direct Miss Wheeler TO proceed 10 the
Philippines as a nurse in the field. In
that event General Wheeler will be sur
rounded by his children while in the
Orient. Miss Wheeler was in the service
of the Red Cross Society during the wsr
with Spain.
The general, as already stated will
leave as soon as he receives his orders.
He expects to be at Manila within forty
five days, allowing thirty-five days for INC
voyage and about ten days ior the trip
across the country and a short stay al
San Francisco before sailing. He con-
ferred with Colonel True Of the War De-
| partment last right, and the latter said
he would lcok into the mattcl OF trans
portation and report this morning when
the first transport will leave this 'oun-
try for Manila.
General Nnceler was averse 10 .ypress
ing an opinloI Jr the Philippine situatlon.
He thought it difficult to understand the
campaign at so great distance.
Every true American should lend his
1 aid Immediately and unfinchingly IN sup-
| porting the present campaign" said the
| general Il believe it my duty to render
every assistance possible, and an only toe
| glad TO know that / now have an onpOT-
tunity OF doing. 50. The sovereignty OF
this Government must be maintained in
/ those islands / cannot attempt to say
how long it will take TO restore peace.
| am too far away from Manila to judge
| The ten volunteer regiments announced to-
| day will add about 10000 men to the
! fighting force CT General Otis. This will
| probably give about $4,000 or 10000 sol
| diers. volunteers and regulars. The vol
! unteer organ Z2tioas waich have given sucI
| splendid service are returning, and ! doubt
! if there are more than 1900 effective
men at the disposal Of the Government
around Manila at the present time. By
effective men, l mean all, exclusive Of sick
and wounded. l do not know what / will
do at Manila. ! am now awaiting the Or
ders of the War Department and am