The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1899-10-16
SOME COLD FACTS.
Continued from second page.

the outer world, and, in addition I,
preventing the renewal of war supplies
will seriously affect his commissaria
and finances. Though the island of Lu
zon is said to be self-sustaining, even {,
the manufacture OF gunpowder and am
munitiou, a sufficient number of men tC
garrison the captured towns, and flying
columns scattered in all directions,
would soon be able to destroy all indus
tries
When our troops are called upon to
take up another active campaign in the
fall they will, doubtless, find new condi-
tions facing them. During the rainy
season, while we have had to retire to
the vicinity oGManila, the enemy have
been hard at work organizing theirarmv
and drilling daily. II before they
avoided making stand and refused to
meet our troops in the line of battle, the
forced apathy of our men during the
past five months may encourage the be-
lief that we have lost heart in the strug.
gle; for it has been said that the Fill
pinos actually believe that they have
whipped us.
Despite the fact that our officers and
men have fought with unusual skill and
courage, wehave, thus far, accomplished
nothing, simply because our forces have
been inadequate. Unless we send
much larger army than is even now con.
templated, we shall, peradventure, be
driven back again into Manila, and all
the captured territory once more aban-
doned. One hundred thousand men.
and no less, should be the size of our
new army of occupation, and it would be !
a mistake to open the active campaign !
until they have all arrived. A few weeks
or even months, in Manila would be
more beneficial than injurious to our
cause, for it would not only afford the
newcomers an opportunity to become
acclimated, but could be utilized in drill |
ing the inexperienced volunteers. When
we strike again, we should strike hard |
and often, for this alone will give force
to any argument that we might desire to
present regarding the future government
of the islands. Even among more highly |
civilized nations diplomacy carries lit.
tie or no weight unless il he backed by |
guns.
And when we next approach the Fill
pino leaders with assurances Of how
they shall he ruled, and what will be
their participation in the government Of
the islands, we should speak with moe
than We have been able to do
before. Savagcs, as they may be, there
are some intelligent men among them,
and those realize that nothing but an
assurance from Congress can be bind
ing upon any administration. Until the
legislative body defines what will be our
future policy, we have no right TO prom
ise anything. II would be advisable, |
therefore, before initiating the new cam.
paign and sacrificing the lives Of thou.
sands Of brave volunteers, TO call an ex.
ira session OF Congress and learn just
what are the intentions OF the people OF
the United States regarding the future
government OF the islands. When this |
shall be announced with the official seal
Of the national legislature, il may do
even more 10 bring peace and prosperity |
TO our new possessions than even a yig-
orous military campaign. II is certainly |
worth the experiment. Should our offer
be rejected, thea war-and war TO the
knife.