Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-27
CLEARLY INSPIRED.
OTIS REPORT FIXED UP FOR AD-
MINIsTRATION PURPOSES.
POSTMASTER KNIGHTS SUCCESS


WASHINGTON, d. c., une 26.-(Spe-
cial)-There Is a cable report OF the stu-
alton in the Philippines from General
Otis posted in the War Department. Read
between the lines this is evidently in
spired from this end, and intended 10
allay the appTehensiOns of the admin
istration officials. and the public gene
rally, as to the critical condition Of affairs
in the Island Of LuZon. He endeavors TO
show that the insurgent leaders are sus-
tanned by the hope of obtaining aid from
the Omitted States, and that with the
overthrow of the present administers
ton their independence will be assured.
This is a big strike, as it was termed to-
day, at the anti-expansionists' coupled
with the further assertion of General
Otis's that this is the influence which
enables them to hold out. The major
general commanding, however, admits
that our troops have been worked to the
limit of endurance, and his dispatch in
dicates that, with the loss of the brave
volunteers, his army has more than 1t
can do to sustain its present lines.
There is almost candid admission in
this administraton-saVing report that
Otis is unable to cope with the insurgents
with his present force, and that the situa-
ton Is almost beyond his control. He COM
plains that the arriving regulars which
relieve the volunteer troops, ~are badly
Differed. and this, the War Department,
in fOOt-nOte, endeaVOrs 10 remedy by
saying that a transport, laden with OIL
GERS, will leave for Manila in a day or
two.
Worst of all, Otis confesses that u per
cent. of the whole army is I'm the hos
pitfalls, and this, he apologies for, by
the qualification that only per cent. are
affected with serious maladies or dis
abed by gunshot wounds.
Altogether, General Otis's inspired re-
port will fail of having the effect for
which it was designed. Mr.. Mckinley,
who Is not expected back until the last
Of the week, will probably be hurried
home TO consider the matter OF reinforce
ments for his man Otis.
POSTMASTER KNIGHT IN LUCK.
Postmaster Wray T. Knight, OF Rich
mond, to-day made one OF the most suc-
Cessful raids on the POst-Ofilce Depart
ment recorded in many a day. He stop
ped at the Metropolitan. and after break
fast quietly walked up to the department
building. ON Seventh street, where he be-
gan operations by paying his respects TO
the Postmaster-General. IL was the first
time Mr.. Knight had met Mr.. Charles
Emory Smith, and he found him 10 be a
courteous, affable, and exceedingly plea
SAINT gentleman. His next call was on
First-Assistant Perry Nj. Heath, who he
found, was absent at Cape May, with his
old newspaper associates, who are the
special guests there of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company. The Second, Third,
and Fourth Assistant Postmasters-Gene-
raj were visited, with all of whom Mr..
knight had had a previous acquaintance,
and all expressed themselves glad 10 see
him, congratulated him on his improved
health, and volunteered beforehand 10
aid him officially and make his stay In
the city pleasant
IL was with Second-Asslstant Shellen-
berger, however. and superintendent
Machen, OF the Free Delivery Depart
ment, that Mr.. Knight got IN his work"
These officials expressed themselves very
much gratihed over the Increased re-
CENTS of the Richmond office. and COM
plimented Mr. Knight on the admirable
and business-llke methods by which the
Office is conducted.
AS a result OF his visit. or. raid, Mr..
knight succeeded in having two add
tional office clerks and one additional
mounted carrier appointed. ana, best or
all. the salaries OF twenty-three Of the
present force of clerks increased.
Mr. Knight feels justly elated over the
success OF his visit, and will return 10
Richmond with the official orders 20 ac-
complish the substantial results he has
achieved.
He made a bold demand On the depart
ment for a free rural delivery system
from Richmond. and was met halfway
by Superintendent Machen. who said he
would institute several routes at an early
day. which would give prompt delivery
and collection of mails for from ten 20
fifteen miles from the city. II this ex-
pertinent proves a success. rural free de-
livery will be established in every direc-
ton from Richmond.
The advance in the salaries OF the clerks
In the Richmond post-office will be $50
per annum and over, according 10 service
and merit.
MORE RAILWAY MAILS.
Mr.. Knight had also long interview