Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-06-29


ing letter to Milwaukee editor:
Thinking over your telegram and
request of June Z, find myself serious
ly embarrassed. AS an officer of the
army there are many reasons why |
should not give my views Of the stu
alton in the Philippines, how long
fighting is likely to continue and
thoughts as to Americas part in future
of islands, The capability Of the Fill
pinos for self-government cannot be
doubted; such men as ArellanO, Agui-
naldo and many others whom | might
name, are highly educated; nine-tenths
of the people read and write; all are
skilled artisans in one way or another;
they are Industrious, frugal, temperate
and, given a fair start, could look out
for themselves infinitely better than
our people imagine. In my opinion
they rank far higher than the Cubans
or the uneducated negroes to whom we
have given the right of suffrage"
Interest in Government.
Kansas volunteers are returning from
San Fernando. The 18th and 9th regu-
lars will replace them. Great interest
is taken in the result of the first step,
now being taken here, in the direction
of self-goyernment. The supreme
court is sitting daily and the American
and Filipino judges are holding con-
situations through an Interpreter. A
unanimous vote is required for deci-
sion. Gen. Otis has persuaded Maj.
Young, of the Utah battery, to remain
on the court for time after the bat
terry departs. Three native justices
are absent. Ambrosio Rianzares, JUS
tice of the criminal branch Of the court,
happened to be at Tarlac, then the seat
of the insurgent government, when the
appointments were announced, and
was arrested and sentenced to Danish
ment for life. His present Wherea-
bouts are not known. Pedro LlOrente,
associate justice of the supreme court,
is in Cebu, where he has great influ-
ence, working to popularize the Amer
lean rule with good results.
The transport Sherman has sailed for
Negroes with the 9Th infantry, which re-
lieves the California regiment. Louis
Marinas, first Spanish consul general
for the Philippines, has arrived from
Singapore. Delegations from Spanish
organizations, on tugs, met the steamer
and welcomed the consul. The Ban
tayan correspondent of the NoticieTo
writes that the gunboat Albay ap-
peared off Bantayan June 8. Her COM
mander told the authorities of the
town that unless they declared allie
glance to the United States and raised
the American flag after Is days he
would lombard the town. The Albay
then sailed, threatening to return. 1t
was thought that the authorities would
probably comply with the demand.
Otis Explains Situation
Washington, June 27.-Gen. Otis, in
reply to a cable from the war depart
ment asking for information regarding
the situation and conditions in the
Philippines Monday cabled long re-
ply as follows:
Manila, June 26:-Adjutant Gen
eral Washington, d. c.: Rainy sea-
son. Little inland campaigning posi-
bic in Luzon. We occupy a large por-
ton of Tagalon country, lines stretch
ing from linus south, to San Fernando
north, nearly sixty miles and to east
ward into Laguna province.
'Insurgent armies have suffered
great losses and are scattered; only
large force held together about 1000 in
Yarlac province and northern Pam
panga. Their scattered forces in bands
of fifty to 500 in other portions Luzon;
in Cavite and BalangaS provinces could
assemble possibly 1000 though demon
allied from recent defeats; mass of
people terrorized by insurgent soldiers,
Gesire peace and American protection;
no longer flee on approach of our
troops unless forced by insurgents, but
gladly welcome them; no recent burn
ing Of towns.
Population within our lines becom
ing dense. taking up land cultivation
extensively; kept out Manila much as
possible as city population becoming
too great to be cared for. Natives
southeast of Luzon combining to drive
out insurgents: only hope insurgent
leaders is United States aid They
proclaim near overthrow present ad-
ministration, to be followed by their
independence and recognition by Unit
ed States. This is the influence which
enables them to hold out: much con-
tention prevails among them'and no
civil government remains; trade with
ports not in our possession former
source insurgent revenue now inter
dicted: not certain OF wisdom of this
policy, as people in those parts are
without supply of food and merchants
suffering losses; mediate restoring
trade privileges. although insurgents
cessful operation under direction of
able Filipinos.
affairs in other islands are COM
paratively quiet, awaiting results in
Luzon. All are anxious for trade and
repeated calls for American troops are
received l am giving attention to the
Jolo archipelago and Palawan islands.
Our troops have worked to limit of en-
durance. ~
volunteer organiza tons have been
called in, replaced by regulars, who
now occupy salient positions. Nebras-
ka, Pennsylvania and Utah now taking
transports, and 9th infantry sent to
Negros to relieve California. These
troops are in good physical condition:
sickness among troops has increased
lately, due mostly to arduous service