Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-21
Mr., R0OTfS ENERGY
Bent on HurErying Rainforoements
to Otis.
PREPARING iiPoR' TEE CAMPAIGN
Going to Confer With the Presi-
dent.
AN PORTAN TRIP

Secretary Root has under considerat icn
some important acton in connection with
the conduct of the military operations in
- Philippines. He VIII leave here this
--ernoon at O'Clock for Plattsburg. N
y. for the purpose of having personal
conference with the President the sub
Ject. The precise nature was not disclosed
at the War Department, but there is rea-
sen for the belief that it relates principally
to the opening of the campaign against the
Filipino Insurgents at the earliest possibe
moment and the institution of systematic
series of attacks upen the enemy, with
view to their prompt and effective subtuga-
ton.
Tending to confirm this view of the mat
ter Is the fact that Secretary Root spent
most of his time at the War Department to-
Gay in private conference with Adjutant
General Corbin ard Gen. i.udington and
Col Bird OF the quartermasters depart
ment.
seeking Increased Transportation.
The Secretary is especially concerned over
the problem of the quick transportation of
heavy reinforcements to Gen Otis army.
with view to beginning aggressive and
comprehensive military operations in the
Philippines as soon as the climatic condi-
tons will permit. The officers of the quar-
terInaSters department have been repeat
ecly reminded of the urgency of the case
and given practically care blanche in the
matter of securing all available transports
on the Pacific coast. With this end in
view, Col. Bird who has direct supervision
OF water transportation, is in Telegram hic
corresp ndence with the Pacific transporta-
ton companies, including those in control
bof the taciiic mail steamship line. and is
in hopes of securing enough additional
transports to insure The landing of about
2I.O0o reinforcements in the Philippines by
he. dol Of not. hoo IL, t,,,i
cessful in his endeavors Gen. Otis will
have at his command by the opening Of the
dry sea:cn effective army of 5000 fight
ing men.
Secretary Roots Plans.
1t is said that Secretary Roots plans con-
template vigorous attack on the Filipnos
all along the lines in the early fall with the
view of completely suppressng the insur
recton before the close of the present sea-
SON.. 1t is said, to- be his desire to have the
sovereignty oElthe United States completely
established throughout the entire archi-
pelago during the coming session of Con-
gross in order that the troublesome uues
ton of the permanent government of the
Philippine Islands may be determined be-
fore the adjournment of the next session of
Congress. III
Although there seems to be no doubt that
the Secretary's vist relates to the Philip
pine situation. 1t is positively stated at the
temnlated i'll the command of the military
forces in the islands. 1t is specifically stat
ed that thereis 10 likelihood of Gen. Mer-
ritt's again being sent to the Philippines.
Gen. Merritt's Visit.
1t Is admitted. however. that his recent
visit to the President may have related to
the military situation in the islands. Gen.
Merritt was" formerly in command of
the army in the Philippines. and Is prob
ably better informed as to the military ne
cessitieS of the case than any other man in
the United States. 1t is probable that Sec
rotary Root will have a conference with
him during his coming visit to the Pres
ident. Maj. Gen. Miles, who has been
spending few days in Maine. may also
stop over to see the President on his way
to Washington. and 1t Is not impossible
that his arrival at Lake Champlain may be
coincident with that of the Secretary of
War.
Secretary Root will be accompanied by
Mr.. Victor L. Mason his private secretary.
ana unless his present plans miscarry,
Will return to this city by Wednesday.