Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-27
REPORT FROM OTIS.
ONLY HOPE OF FILIPINOs Is n
UNITED STATES AID.
REPUBLICAN, DEFEAT NEXT YEAH
Insurgents Proclaim This, and Inde-
pendence ms n ResuIt-No Call for
Troops or Assignment of wheeler
at Present.

WASHINGTON. June 26.-General OH,
In reply 10 cable from the War De
partment asking for information regard.
ing the situation and conditions In IN
Philippines, to-day oabled, long reply a
follows:
Manila. June @.-Adjutant-Genera
Washington: Rainy season. Little
inland campaigning possible in Luzon.
We occupy large portion TagaIos
country, lines stretching from Imu
south TO San Fernando north, near
ly sixty miles, and TO eastward
into Laguna province. Insurgent armes
have suffered great losses and arr
together about four thousand in TarlaC
province and Northern PaInpanga. Their,
are scattered forces in bands OF fifty O.
five hundred in other portions OF Luzon.
In Batagas and Cavite provinces possibly
200 assembled. though demOralized from
recent defeat. Mass of people terrorizeo
by insurgent soldiers; desire peace ant
American protection; no longer flee OF
approach of our troops, unless forced by
insurgents, but gladly welcome them. No
recent burning Of towns. Population
within our lines becoming dense, takne
up land and cultivating extensively. KEEP
out Of Manila as much as possible, a.
city population is becoming too great 10
be- cared for. Natives of Southeast Luzon
combining 10 drive out insurgents.
UNITED STATES AID.
"Only hope of insurgent leaders is In
United States aid. They proclaim near
overthrow Of present administration, 10
be followed by their independence and
recognition by the United States. This
is the influence which enables them 10
hold out. Much contention prevails among
them, and no civil government remains
Trade with ports not in our possession
former source Of insurgent rcyenue-noN
interdcted. Not certain of wisdom Of
this policy, as people in those ports are
without supplies of food, and merchants
are suffering losses. Mediate restoring
trade privileges, although insurgents reap
the benefits. Courts here in successful
operation, under direction Of able Fiji
pinos Affairs in other islands compare
lively quiet, awaiting results in Luzon.
All anxious for trade, and repeated calls
for American troops are received. Am
giving attention 10 Jolo archipelago ana
Palawan islands. Our troops have work
ed to limit of endurance. Volunteer or
ganizations have been called in and re-
placed by regulars, who now occupy sa-
lent positions Nebraska, Pennsylvania,
and Utah now taking transports, ana
Sixth Infantry sent to NeGros to relieve
California These troops In good physical
condition.
SICKNESS AMONG TROOPS.
sickness among troops has increased
lately. owing mostly to arduous service
and climatic influences. Nothing alarm
ing. OF the u per cent. of the command
reported sick, nearly per cent. in gene
raj hospital of whom 3 per cent. have
typhoid and II malaral-fevers. Twenty
five per cent. have intestinal roubles-
Remaining 50 per cent. have various all
ments, If of which are due TO wound in
juries. Many officers and men who served
in cuba break. under recurrence Of Cuban
fever, and regular regiments lately re-
ceived are inadequately Differed.
(signed ."OTIS."
OFFICERS ON THE WAY.
The inadequacy in 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 number OF OH
GERS FOR regiments in the Philippines.
Adjutant- General Corbin says that all
officers belonging TO regiments i'm the
PHILIPPINES. who are not absent on ac-
count of a surgeons certificate are under
orders TO join their regiment at once.
Forty-four officers have sailed on recent
transports going from Manila.
Secretary Alger said to-day that no ac-
ton will be taken for the enlargement
OF the army or sending troops to re-
enforce General Otis until the return OF
President Mckinley. lie also said that
General Wheeler would receive no as
signment until that time.
OTISS REPORT SATISFACTORY.
WASHINGTON, June26-General Otis
detailed report Of the conditions eX-
listing in the Philippines is considered
very satisfactory at the War Department
II Is taken TO mean that General Otis viii
not now prosecute a campaign. on account
of the rainy season, except where the in
surgents make 1t necessary 10 defend
territory now in possession Of the United
States.
That portion Of the dispatch telling OF
the belief among Filipinos that the pres
emf policy Of the United States will not
be upheld is regarded as of great signi-
ficance. II is believed that when the Fill
pjnos see that there is no hope Of their
recognition by the United States they
will give up the fight.
The absence of any suggestion as 10
more troops being needed IS taken 10
mean that General Otis does not believe
they could be used to advantage II pres
ent.
VOLUNTEERS RETURNING.
MANILA June 2G.-The Montana and