Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-07-05
WHAT OTIS HAS DONE
DETAILS or PRESENT SITUATION
IN PHILIPPINES.
Country Held by Troops sixty Miles
North and sonth of Manila Crow
ing Desire for Peace Natives com-
bining to Drive Ont Insurgents.

Gen. Otis in reply to d cable from the
War Department at Washington asking
! for Information regarding situation and
conditions in the Philippines, eabled as
follows:
Adjutant General, Washington: Rainy
season. Little inland campaigning possi-
bic IN Luzon. We occupy large portion
of Tagalog country, lines stretching from
linus south, to san Fernando north, near
" sixty miles, and TO eastward into la
guna province. Insurgent armies have
suffered great losses and are scattered:
only large force held together about 900
in Tarlac province and northern Pampan-
ga. Their scattered forces are in bands
of fifty to FIVE hundred in other portions
Luzon; in Cavitc and Batangas provinces
could assemble possibly 2,000, though de-
Inoralized from recent defeat. Mass of
people terrorized by insurgent soldiers, de-
sire peace and American protection; no
longer fee on approach of our troops mn
less forced by insurgents, but gladly vel
come them. No recent burning of towns.
Population within cur lines becoming
dense. taking up land cultivation extern
sively; kept ont Of Manila much as posi-
BILE rs city population is becoming toe
sFtal 20 De cared IOf.
Natives southeast Of Luzon combining
to drive out insurgents; only hope Of in
surgent leaders is United States aid. They
proclaim near overthrow Of the present
administration. to be followed by their
independence and recognition by United
States. This is the influence which en-
ables them to hold out, much contention
prevails among them and no civil govern,
ment remains.
Trade with ports not in our possess
sion, former source OF insurgent reye-
nue., now interdicted; not certain of wis
dom of this policy, as people in those
parts are without supply of food and mer-:
chants are suffering losses; mediate re-
storing trade privileges. although insur-
gents reap benefits. Courts here in sue
cessful operation under direction of able
Filipinos. Affairs in other islands conn
paratively quiet, awaiting results in Lu-
zon. All anxious for trade, and repeated
calls for American troops are received.
Am giving attention u Jole Archipelago
and Palawan islands.
Our troops have worked to the limit
Of endurance. Volunteer organizations
have been called in and replaced by regu-
lars, who now occupy salient positions.
Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Utah now
tak;1Ss transports, and Sixth infantry
sent to Negros to relieve California.
These troops are in good physical condi-
ton: sickness among troops has increas-
ed lately, due mostly to ard 1ous service
and climatic influences. Nothing alarm
ing.
.Of the IL per cent of the command
reported sick nearly 6 in general hospital,
of whom per cent have typhoid and IL
malarial fevers; % per cent have intes-
final trouble; remaining 55 per cent have
various ailments, IA of which are due to
wound injuries. Many officers and men
who served in Cuba break under recur-
renee of Cuban fever, and regular regl-
ments received are inadequately officered.
"OTIS"
The inadequacy Of the number Of Off
GERS mentioced in the last part Of the ca
blegram has been remedied by the sailing
of the transports Zelandia and Sheridan,