The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1899-06-27
General Otis Sends a Long Cable
Dispatch in Regard to the
Situation.
Still Claims He Has Matters in
the Islands Well in
Hand,
Though Sickness Among Troops
Has Increased Considerably
of Late.

WASHINGTON. June 21.-General Otis,
In reply to a cable from the war depart
rent asking for information regarding
the situation and conditions in the
Philippines. cabled long reply as fol-
lows:
Rainy season. Little inland cam
pasning possible in Luzon. We oc.
cupy large portion Tagalog country.
lines stretching from linus south to
san Fernando north. nearly 60 miles.
and to eastward into Laguna province.
lnsurgents armies have suffered great
losses and are scattered; only large
force held together about 1000 in Tar
lac province and Northern Pampam.
ganga. Their scattered forces in bands
81 to 500 in other portions Luzon; in
Cavite and Batangas provinces could
assemble possible 1900. though demor-
allied from recent defeats; mass Of peo-
pie terrorized by insurgent soldiers, de-
sire peace and American protection; no
longer flee on approach our troops unless
forced by insurgents. but gladly welcome
them: no recent burning of towns; pop
ulation within our lines becoming
dense. taking up land cultivation eX-
,ensively: kept ont Manila AS much as
possible. as city population becoming
too great to be cared for. Natives south.
east Luzon combining to drive out in
surgents: only hope insurgent leaders
Is United States aid. They proclaim
near overthrow present administration.
10 be followed by their independence
and recognition by the United States.
This is the influence which enables
them To hold out: much contention pre-
walls among them and no civil govern.
iaent remains: trade with ports not III
our possession, former source lnsurgent
revenue, now interdicted; not certain
of wisdom Of this policy. as people IN
those ports now without supplies OF
food; merchants suffer loss and some
mediate restoring trade privileges
although insurgents reap Dement'S.
Courts here IN successful operation
under direction of able Filipinos.
Affairs in other islands compara-
lively quiet. awaiting results III Luzon
All anxiously seeking trade, and re-
leated calls for American troops re-
ceived. Am giving attention to Joie
archipelago and Palawan islands. Oui
troops have worked to limit OF endur'
ance. Volunteer organizations have
been called in. replaced by regulars
who now occupy salient positions. Ne
braska, Pennsylvania and Ctah now
taking transports aud Sixth infantry
sent to Negros to relieve California
These troops in good physical condition
sickness among troops has increased
lately. due mostly to arduous service
and climatic influences. Nothing alarm
ing. OF the IL per cent Of the command
reported sick. nearly six III general nos
pital, Of whom 5 per cent have typnolo
and II malarial fevers: % per cent have
intestinal trouble; remaining ID pei
cent have various ailments, IA OF whici
due to wound injuries. Many officers
and men who served in Cuba breal
under recurrence Of Cuban fever and
regular regiments intely
inadequately ofticered.
The Ins iequacy Supplied.
The inadequacy Of the number OF OF
fcers mentioned in last part OF aoov'
cablegram has been remedied by tn
sailing Of the transports leaiandia ah'
Sheridan. carrying number OF officer
for regiments in the Philippines.
Adjutant General Corb'n says ina
oil oficers belonging to regiments u
the philippines who are not absent o.
account Of . surgeons certificate ar
under orders to join their regiments Q
once. Forty.four have sailed on tn
recent transports going from Manila.
Secretary Alger said that no act'o
will be taken for the enlargement 9
the army or sending troops to re'nforc
General Otis until tho return or Presl