The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1899-08-04
ROOTS PLAN
OF CAMPAIGN
The New War Secretary Hard
at Work.
Expects to Crush AeuinaIdo in the
Coming StruggIe-Finding out Re-
sources and Needs of the Various
Departments Stirring up the
Army Bureaus.

Washington, Aug. 4.-Secretary Root
proposes to take an active part in the
preparations for the resumption Of miIi-
tary operations in the Philippines after
the rainy season and already is planning
the outlines of a campaign. 1t is Mr..
Roots belief that 10000 men will be suf-
fcient
His ideas upon this subject have been
formed since he came to Washington and
assumed the control of the war depart
ment. No doubt they are based upon the
suggestions of those who have more fa-
miliar knowledge of the condition of af-
fairs about Manila and with whom he
has consulted. Mr.. Root left last night
for New York, whence he will go to visit
the president at Lake Champlain. The
object of the trip is to talk over with the
president the results of the new secre-
tary's observations and to discuss Cuban
and Filipino affairs with the executive.
Mr.. Root has been u busy man for the
last few days and has acquired a great
amount of knowledge concerning the de-
partment and the methods of the differ
ent bureaus. He has gone to work sys-
tematically to acquaint himself with the
details and has accomplished this by Wis
iting the bureaus and talking with the
chiefs.
The secretary has inquired particularly
Z of the work of the bureaus in connection
with operations in the Philippines. His
questions are propounded to the chiefs
and the persistency of detail with which
he followed them made it plain that Mr.
Root intends to push from Washington
the coming campaign in Luzon
Ihis being bis purpose, the preliminary
steps are now being taken in learning the
resources of the department. He has in
quired of the quartermaster's department
the number and capacity of the army
transports used in the Pacific and has
asked about the possibility of obtaining
additional transports if needed. He has
inquired particularly into the methods Of
transportation available in Luzon with
respect to the ability of the department
to move large bodies of troops quickly.
Root Knows Resources.
He has received from the commissary
department detailed statements Of the
quantity of food available for rations
and the method of supplying IL. He has
questioned the medical department as to
the condition of medical stores, the num-
Der of surgeons with the army and the
condition of the hospital service. The
officers in charge of clothing and Of ord
nance and ammunition have been called
upon to furnish statements.
The secretary has acquired vast
quantity of information, and great deal
of this has been put in statistical form
and was carried away by him last night
1t doubtless will be produced for refer
ence In the conferences which he is to
have with the president
War department officials are much in
terested in Secretary Roots investiga-
tions. His actions have convinced the Of
ticials that big campaign is ahead in the
Philippines and that the secretary is
getting ready for it. 1t is expected that
when he comes back to the city next
week he will set the wheels in motion to
carry out his programme.
There is a great deal OF work to be
done to equip the additional force neces-
600 men. 1t is realized that the secretary
is not beginning too soon.
The new secretary is extremely solici-
tous about the clothing and food for the
additional army. He has shown the bu-
reau chiefs that the policy of the cam
paign is to be one of adequate prepara-
IlOH IOr lue OpeFdtloHS 10 De COnuuCteu.
There is to be no hesitation OF cheese
pairing in regard to supplies for the sol
diers, and he is tnking especial care to as
sure the collection of supplies in sufficient
quantities to leave no risk of scarcity at
any time. Mr.. Root evidently has receiv-
ed instructions from the president to get
his department in thorough readiness for
crushing out the insurreetion in the Phil
ipniuac