The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-27
Little Inland Campaigning Now Pos
sible in the Island of Luxon on
Account OF the Rains.
REBEL ARMY IS SCATTERED
SUFFERED GREAT LOSSES II TIRE
RECENT FIGHTING.
Mass of the People Desire Peace and
American observation-disclosures
Among Our Troops Increasing.

WASHINGTON June 26.-Generai Otis In
reply to a cablegram from the War Depart
ment asking for information regarding the
situation and conditions i'm the Philippines.
to-day cabled long reply. as follows:
Rainy season. Little inland campaigning
possible I'm Luzon We occupy large por-
ton Of the Tagalog country. with lines
stretching from linus on the south TO San
Fernando on the north. nearly six miles,
and eastward into Laguna province. Insur-
gent armies have suffered great losses and
are scattered. Only large force held to-
gether is about 1900 i'm Tariac province and
northern Pampanga. Their scattered forces
are in bands of fifty TO five hundred I'm other
portions of Luzon. In Cayite and Batangas
provinces they could assemble possibly ZOO.
though demoralized from recent defeat
Mass of people terrorized by insurgent SOL
diers. Desire peace and American protec-
tion. They no longer fee approach OF
our troops unless forced by insurgents. but
gladly welcome them. No further burning
OF towns. Population within our lines be-
coming dense and taking up land cuItivs-
ton extensively. Kept out OF Manila
much as possible, as the city population Is
becoming too great to be cared for Natives
In southeastern Luzon are combining to
drive out the insurgents.
THE only hope OF the insurgent leaders
is United States afl They proclaim the
near overthrow of the American sdministra-
ton. TO be followed by their Independence
and recognition by the United States. This
Is the influence which enables them to hold
out. Much contention prevails among them.
and no civil government remains. Trade
with ports not in our possession, former
source of insurgent revenue, Is now inter-
dicted. L am not certain of the wisdom OF
this policy, as the people in those parts are
without supply of food and merchants are
suffering losses. Mediate restoring trade
privileges. although insurgents reap bene-
fits. Courts here in successful operation un-
der direction of able Filipinos.
Affairs in other islands comparatively
quiet, awaiting results I'm Luzon. All
anxious for trade, and repeated calls for
American troops received. Am giving at
tention TO the Jolo archipelago and Palawan
islands.
"Our troops have been worked to the limit
of their endurance. Volunteer organiza-
tions have been called in and replaced by
regulars, who now occupy salient positions.
Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Utah regi-
ments are now taking transports. and the
Sixth Infantry has been sent TO Negros
to relieve the Californians. These troops
are in good physical condition. The sick
ness among the troops has increased lately.
due mostly TO arduous service and climatic
influences; nothing alarming. Twelve per
cent. of the command Is reported sick
Nearly per cent of this number Is I'm the
general hospital of whom per cent. have
typhoid and IL malarial fevers; % per cent.
have intestinal trouble. and remaining 50
rfo afl 4 90
which are due to wound injuries. Many
officers and men who served I'm Cuba break
under a recurrence OF the Cuban fever. The
regular regiments lately received are made
quately officered."
The inadequacy OF the number OF officers
mentioned In the last part Of the above
cablegram has been remedied by the sailing
of the transports Zealandia and Sheridan.
carrying a nuIlber OF officers for regiments
in the Philippines. Adjutant General Cor
bin says that all officers belonging TO regi-
ments in the Philippines who are not alb
sent on account OF a surgeons certificate
are under orders to join their regiments at
once. Forty-four have sailed on the recent
transports going to Manila.
Secretary Alger said to-day that no action
will be taken for the enlargement OF the
army sending troops 10 reinforce General
Otis until the return Of President Mckinley.
He also said that General Wheeler would
receive no assignment until that time.
General Otis's report Is considered very
satisfactory At the War Department. Ii in
taken TO mean that he will not now prose-
cute campaign. on account OF the rainy
season, except where the insurgents make IL
| necessary TO defend the territory now I'm pos
session of the United States. That portion
of the dispatch telling OF the belief among
the Filipinos that the present policy of the
United States will not be upheld Is re-
sarded OF great significance. 1t IL be-
lieved that when the Filipinos see there is
10 hope of their recognition by the United
States they viii give up the fight. The abb
sence OF any suggestion as 10 more troops
being needed is taken 10 mean that General
Otis does not believe they could be used 10
advantage at present.
A