Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-10-18
OTIS Blamed for Ir.eles. Ba,t,e..

MANIA, Oct. Ii (via Hong Kong. Oct
lS).-The recent military operations at
Porac on the north and San Francisco
de Malabon on the south We're planned
In the office of Gen. Otis in Manila. and
of course We're approved by the, gov
ernor general. Notwithstanding the
fact that 1t is claimed the Manila made
plans contemplated only expeditions
against the insurgents, the immediate
withdrawal from the regions captured
by the men under Gen. Schwan, Gen.
Grant and Gen. Macarthur is being se-
verely criticised.
Most Of this unfavorable comment
comes from military men, and they
seem to be of the opinion generally that
"a great mistake has been made Every
inch OF the territory which has been
abandoned by the Americans has been
reoccupied by the insurgents. The crit
les of Gen. Otis plans hold that such
maneuvers are most discouraging to
the men and the officers alike, who feel
that their lives are being sacrificed
without any intention of accomplishing
results.
It is undoubtedly true that in the re-
cent demonstrations our losses have
been extremely heavy compared with
the advantages which have been
gained. Military men whose opinion
must have weight say that the terri
tory captured must be held by garri-
Soning the principal ports and the in
terror towns.
The blockaded ports are filed with
immense quantities of hemp which is
not allowed to be shipped. Foreign
buyers and shippers say that the mar
ket Is being ruined and the people are
being starved by the failure of the
Americans to occupy and control the
ports and to protect the rice crops OF
peaceful natives. 1t is claimed that the
shortage Of the rice crop will cause
great deal OF suffering among the poor.
The officers of the medical depart
ment feel outraged because Gen. Otis
refuses to recognize their dire needs.
For many weeks he has had reports be-
fore him showing that there was an
absolute necessity for more hospital
room. Still nothing was done all
through the rainy season. 1t is reported
that Gen. Otis requested more surgeons
and nurses last week.
The condition of the patients at the
first reserve hospital is particularly
pitiable. The hospital is In very bad
shape. Hundreds of sick are lying in
dirty tents. although for months the
extreme need OF more substantial
quarters constantly has been impressed
upon the governor general, whose fail
ure to erect or provide sufficient hos
pital room may possibly be explained
by Gen. Otis mental attitude. which
caused him to say to correspondents
that % per cent OF the men in the hos
pitals were malingering.
Gen. Otis recently sent line officer,
who had no medical knowledge whatso-
ever. to investigate and report on the
sick list of a certain regiment. Before
the governor general took this action
he had received a report through the
surgeon which contained an expert
diagnosis of each case. His constant
refusal to meet the demands OF the
quartermasters may hamper future
movements seriously. inasmuch as food
can not be delivered to the marching
troops.
Many OF the officers feel that affairs
have reached such an acute stage that
they must protect themselves from the
scandal which is sure to come. There
fore they are going on record as being
opposed to the conditions which now
prevail
Lawton's March Northward.
Arayat, Oct. 1S. (via Manila) Gen.