The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-06-30
CAPITAL
The President Back From New Enx-
land-WiII send More Troops m Need.
ed In the PbfliPpines-Mn. Mckinley

The President Back From New Eng.
land-Wuls sem More Troops af Need.
ed In the Pbflippines-Nn. Mckinley
III
Washington, June 27.-The presi-
dent upon his return 10 Washington
was promptly acquainted with the sit
uation in the Philippines as exhibited
in General Otis statement cabled yes
terday. He was in conference for a
time with Secretary Alger respecting
the best method Of carrying out Gen
eral Otis desire to maintain ar least
throughout the rainy season, an efec-
tive fighting force of not less than 3d.
900 men in the islands. In the gener-
ais last estimate which was received
yesterday, it is noted that he asks for
an effective" force of 10000 men.
The last estimate will oblige the war
department to secure more troops.
General Otis sick report and his
casualty list make it evident that pro-
vision must be made at once TO supply
the shortage Of about Is per cent. in
his force. The officials are taking in
TO consideration the assurance OF the
medical authorities that no diminution
in this disability rate can be expected
during the wet season, but that the
conditions may grow even worse S
the season advances. Many of these
men will have to be invalided home
to the United States. 1t will be dem
OnStrated particularly in the typhoid
cases, that cOnvalescence is rare unless
the patient leaves the Philippines.
Thus the department will be under the
necessity of keeping up a steady flow
Of recruits from the United States If
General Otis desire is to be complied
with. The recruiting officers reports
indicate an ability on their part to sup
ply 1000 men a week, more than sufd-
cient, it is believed, to meet General
Otis needs in the future, while as for
tn present, the department has as
sembled 5000 recruits at San Francis
CO ready for transportation as soon as
the ships can be found.
1t is not known at the war depart
ment how General Otis has succeeded
in his undertaking to form three skele-
ton regiments from the volunteers now
in the Philippines who are willing to
r~e-enlist. An impression prevails at
the var department that a large pro-
portion of the volunteers may be re-
enlisted if some arrangement can be
made whereby the men can be allowed
to make a visit to their friends and rel
atives in the United States. The idea
is to re-enlist them in the Philippines,
and give them a furlough to return to
the United States. This furlough
would be for at least four months, for
more than half of that time would be
required to make the round trip from
Manila to the United States.
MRS. M'KINLEY I'LL.
Washington, June 27.-The presi-
dent and Mrs. Mckinley with the other
members of the presidential party ar
rived here at o 80 a. m. today and
were driven Immediately to the White
house. Mrs. Mckinley, whose illness
cut short the presidents stay at Adj
ans, stood the journey very we'll and
was slightly better on arrival. She
contracted a cold while in New Eng
land and the change of the weather
seemed to effect her so that it was
deemed wise for her to return at once
to the White house. Her condition is
not considered either serious Or alarm
ing and she is expected to ~recuperate
rapidly. DR.. Rixey said upon leaving
the White house, half an our after the
arrival of the presidential party that
Mrs. McKinley's illness need occasion
no alarm. II expect her to recover
rapidly" said he.
Many people called during the day
to inquire concerning Mrs. McKinley's
health. The president remained AT his
wife's bedside for a time, and then
went to his Office where he found that
many matters requiring his attention
had accumulated during his absence
On this account he denied himself to
the general public. He saw Secretary
Long, however, during he morning
about some department matters.
WILL SEND MORE TROOPS TIC
OTIS IF NEEDED.
Asking about the question of add
tional troops in the Philippines, Sec
rotary Long said all the troops Gen
eral Otis needed would be sent to him
but General Otis had UP to this time
~refrained from asking for more. Be
sides little could be accomplished dur
ing the rainy season in the way OF act
i've campaigning.
MORE TROOPS FOR OTIS.
Manila, June 27.-The United States
transports Grant and Hooker have ar
rived here.
Washington, June 27.-The GRAM
: sailed from San Francisco on May 30tf
, carrying the Sixteenth infantry, forty
officers and 1865 men, Lieutenant Col
| , onel w. F. Spurgin commanding. I'M:
is a twenty-six day passage, and very
{ close O the record for the run from
San Francisco to Manila.
Deadly SIreet Duel In Texas
, Galveston, Texas, June 27.-This ev
ening a duel occurred at the corner o