The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1899-07-01
NTH $4,000 MEN
eneral Harrison Gray Otis Says
Major General Otis Can
Conquer
ID Sufficiently Garrison the
Philippine Islands in
the Fall.
b His Opinion American Occu.
patton of the Islands Is
Imperative.

CHICAGO. July l.-General Harrison
ray Otis Of Los Angeles. Cal, who
as with the Eighth army corps at
anila. and who saw nearly a years
hting around that city. has arrived in
hicago en- route for Washington.
e stopped at the Palmer House and
iii remain in the city until evening.
fore proceeding eastward. His visit
Washington will mark his muster
bit Of the volunteer service.
General Otis discussed the situation
the Philippines at considerable length
hd took the hopeful view that with
be additional troops TO be furnished
he war would be terminated before the
hext rainy season sets in.
with $1,000 troops all told-say 30.-
700 for the fighting columns and 10000
FOR garrison duty" he said, Major
General Otis can suppress the revolt
before the next rainy season. restore
peace. establish order. protect all we'll
neaning natives Of Luzon in their rights
|of person and property, and establish
and maintain simple. econmical, just
and effective government over the isl
|auds."
Need to Be Controlled.
"Do You believe the Filipinos are ca
frable Of self government. or will i: De
necessary for the United States 10 main
tain standing army III the islands for
10 great length Of time:"
In their present state do not be.
|lieve the Filipinos are capable of self.
government Ii the restraint and con-
|trol Of this government We're withdrawn
from them now. believe they would
be at each others ihroats in very
khort time and make farce of self
government. The conclusion from this
premise. therefore. is that it will be
Necessary for the United States TO main
ain n considerable force in the islands
or an indefinite period. Such course
will. in my Judgment. be unavoidable
Il we are TO hold, protect or properly
govern the possessions we wrcsted from
Spain as legitimate prizes Of war. in an
honorable combat.
This country owes much TO itself,
and il owes the distinct obligation of
providing sound. adequate and just
government 10 the natives Of the Phil
ippine group. Moreover, it owes some
thing to the world in this regard. FOR it
would he shame and reproach to an
enlightened nation to conquer and pos.
sess "A half civilized land and then aban-
don il without adequate governmental
protection and internal security.
HAS there ever been any question as
TO the duty of the government III the
Philippines
rr:ed 60 Avoid Hostiiitiss
IL cannot see how the duty of the
government in the Philippines can bt
fairly questioned by any self-respectine
American with proper conception oi
the actual situation. Ii was not pos
sible to avoid hostiliiies after the cap
ture Of Manila. The most careful. hon
est and persistent efforts to accomplish
that SO desirable result were made by
Major General Otis and all in his com
mand in obedience to the orders Of thu
president Of the United States.
Regarding the general situation II
the Philippines, Let these prime facts b,
borne in mind:
First. even with the small force nov
available in Luzon, the enemy has beef
defeated In every engagement; second
no serious mistakes have been made b,
Major General Otis. either military o
civA. He has shown himself to Be
commander with . strong grasp on tn
situation. He has ability, experience
sAill, integrity and . marvellous ca