Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-06-24
OTIS TO BE REINFORCED.

A call for volunteers, it is now ad-
United by officials of the War Depart
ment, is practically certain, although
no formal action has been taken by the
President indicating this course. In
structions have been given to prepare
muster. rolls for u 900 men, to include
nine regiments, which, it is believed
will be the number enlisted under the
first call. These rolls are practically
completed and can be sent to muster
ing officers in the States where the re.
crutiDg may be directed within day
after the call is issued.
The preparation of these blanks is &C
copied By the highest officials as strong
evidence that the President realizes it is
not practical to augment the force under
Gen. Otis to the desired strength except
by volunteers, who cannot be secured
without a call. Final decision in the
matter may be deferred until the Presi-
dents return to Washington, but it is
not thought by the officials that in any
event call can be delayed much long
or than July /, if it is expected to have
the new troops equipped and trans
ported to Manila in time to open the
campaign soon after the wet season
ends, in September.
With reference to the projected call
for volunteers it is strongly urged that
the call be made for black soldiers
only. It is not known whether this
will be determined upon and at pre-
sent the probabilities are it will not.
But it is argued by many of the military
experts, and this view will be assidu-
ously pressed upon the President, that
black troops will be in every way bet
Ter fitted to cope with the difficulties of
the situation.
There is no exception to the eXper-
fence that, under capable white lead
ars, there are no better fighting men
than the blacks, and, of course, it does
cot need to be argued they can stand
the climate infinitely better than white
troops. 1t is also anticipated that if
call is made for black volunteers, 1t
would stir up that emotional race to
pitch of enthusiasm insuring a full
quota OF the call. A War Department
official said yesterday that perhaps it
would not do to issue an exclusive
call for black volunteers, but it might
be deemed expedienJ to ask for
two white regiments and ten black.
The President provided that during
his absence from Washington he should
be kept constantly advised of occur.
rences in the Philippines, and all official
dispatches have been simultaneously
repeated to him. He is, therefore,
fully aware that the army in Manila
aud in front of it is so harassed by the
Filipinos that literally it has scarcely
moment for sleep or rest. Aguinaldo is
so emboldened and encouraged by the
going home of the volunteer regi
ments that he will undoubtedly make
it extremely lively for our forces.
1t is one of the whispers in the air
that apprehensions are entertained OF
an uprising in Manila. 1t has never
been denied that very considerable
portion of the native population is dis
Affected and inclined to make trouble if
satisfied there is any reasonable hope
for a successful diversion. Further.
more, there is danger our forces outside
IF the Notifications of Manila may be
hanked at any moment and compelled
10 retreat behind it's intrenchments for
safety.