Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-21
AS A LAST RESORT
Only Will the $4,000 VoIun-
teers Be Called Out.
Believed that the Regulars Can Handle
Situation in Philippines.
Though Tribal Troubles Are Expected on
Withdrawal Of Spanish.

Washington, April 20.-It was stated
positively at the war department, to-
day, that the provisional army of 80, 900
volunteers authorized by the bill will
be called out only as a last resort. No
such action is now in contemplation
and it will be avoided as long as pos
sible. The hope is expressed that there
will be no necessity for an increase of
the army beyond the present limit of
$1,000 men and army officials are care
full of their ability to subjugste the
Filipinos with the troops now in the
field and the reinforcements to be sent
there from the regular army
Secretary Alger has received a re-
ply from Gen. Otis to his inquiry as to
whether the re-inforcements proposed
to be sent to him to relieve the volun-
teers We're sufficient for the purposes
OF the campaign. Gen. Otis replies in
the affirmative, the estimate of 10000
men to constitute the army agreeing
with his own calculations.
The programme FOR the movement of
the outgoing troops TO Manila and of
the volunteers homeWard bound viii
be carried out according to Gen. Otis
statement contained in the dispatch of
yesterday.
Gen. Otis adds to his message the
hopeful remark that he expects very
shortly to be able TO report.a decided
Improvement in the situation in the
Philippines.
1t is stated at the war department
that there is not much probability of
an attempt to organize battalion of
native Cuban troops until the Cuban
army is paid off and disarmed. 1t is
then possible that some of the best
OF these soldiers will be selected and
enlisted in the United States service.
1t IS realized at the war department
that the disbandment of the Cuban
army presents a grave problem, as it
is not vet known whether the men will
return TO work or whether their life
has been such as to encourage them to
q nomadic existence. The officials will
watch with some apprehension the re-
suit of the disarmament.
COL Henry had already enlisted a
lew Porto Ricans, but it is likely that
nothing like the organization of a bat
talon will be tried until Gen. Henrys
arrives in the island.
one session. Saturday afternoon. for
the purpose of hearing further evil
ience ana an effort will be made 20
have all remaining witnesses present
AZ that time. Major Lee will make Il
presentation in behalf Of Gen. Miles,
up what he claims the in
1uiry has developed in substantiation
" the general charges Another night
session viii be held to permit the read
ing Of the official reports. There is
now no expectation Of being able to
the report of the courts
indings before next week Today was
spent in going over the testimony.
The post office department is prepar-
ing to send q supply of stamps to the
director Of posts for the Philippines
1t Manila for use in the islands and to
'eplace the Spanish stamps. The
stamps will be similar to those used
n this country, but will have the word
philippines" printed across the face.
The volunteers in the Philippines will
'eturn home in the order in which they
sailed for Manila.
Capt. Shoemaker of the revenue cut
er service, has issued instructions to
Lieut.. John c. Cantwell who is to COM
nand the revenue cutter Nuiyak. on
her two or more years cruise on the
ukon river in Alaska. The object Of
he assignment is to assist the local
in enforcing the customs
md navigation laws.