Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1899-07-01
REPORT BY GEN. OTIS.
He Tells of Present Situation in
the Philippines.
Territory Occupied by the Americans
-Filipinos Broken and Scattered
Natives Desire Pence-Troops
in Good Condition.


Washington, June 27.-Gen. Otis in
reply to a cable from the war depart
ment asking for information regarding
the situation and conditions in the
Philippines, Monday cabled a long reply
as follows:
Otis Statement.
Manila, June 26-Adjutant General,
washington: Rainy season. Little inland
campaigning possible in Luzon. We oc-
cupy large portion Tagalog country, lines
stretching from linus south to San Fer
nando north nearly 60 miles. and to east
ward into Laguna province. Insurgent
armies have suffered great losses and are
scattered only large force held together
about 1000 in Tarlac province and north
ern Pampanga. Their scattered forces In
bands of 50 to 800 in other portions of
Luzon; In Cavite and Batangas provinces
could assemble possibly 1000, though de-
moralized from recent defeat; mass of peo-
pie, terroriZed by insurgent soldiers, desire
peace and American protection; no longer
flee on approach of our troops unless forced
by insurgents, but gladly welcome them;
no recent burning of towns: population
within our lines becoming dense taking
UP land cultivation extensively; kept out
Manila much as possible, as city popula-
tion becoming too great to be cared for.
Natives southeast Luzon combining to
drive out insurgents; only hope insurGent
Hope of Insurgents.
"They proclaim near overthrow present
administration, to be followed by their in
dependence and recognition by United
States. This is the influence which enables
them hold out; much contention prevails
| among them and no civil government re-
mains; trade with ports, not in our pos
session, former source insurgent revenue,
now interdicted: not certain of wisdom of
this policy as people in those parts are
without supply of food and merchants suf-
fering losses: mediate restoring trade
privileges, although insurgents reap bene-
fits. Courts here in successful operation
| under direction of able Filipinos
Affairs in other islands comparatively
quiet, awaiting results in Luzon. All anx-
ious for trade and repeated calls for Amer
| ican troops received. Am giving attention
to Jolo archipelago and Palawan islands
Our troops have worked TO limit of endur-
ance. Volunteer organizations have been
called in; replaced by regulars who now
| occupy salient positions. Nebraska, Penn
sylvania and Utah now taking transports
and Sixth infantry sent to Negros to re-
lieve California. These troops in good
| physical condition.
Sickness among troops has increased
| lately, due mostly to arduous service and
climatic Influences. Nothing alarming
lOf the Il per cent. of the command re-
ported sick, nearly six in general hospital.
| of whom three per cent. have typhoid and
1
| testinal trouble; remaining SO per cent.
| have various ailments, IA of which due
| to wound injuries. Many officers and men
who served in Cuba break under recurrence
of Cuban fever, and regular regiments late
ly received are inadequately differed.
| OTIS"
| Inadequncy of Omcers.
The inadequacy of the number of ofh-
GERS mentioned in the last part of the
above cablegram has been remedied by
the sailing of the transports Zealandia
and Sheridan, carrying number of Off
GERS for regiments in the Philippines.
Report Is satisfactory.
Washington, June 27.-Gen. Otis de-
tailed report of the conditions existing
in the Philippines is considered very
satisfactory at the war department. 1t
is taken to mean that Gen. Otis will not
now prosecute a campaign on account
of the rainy season, except where the
insurgents make it necessary to defend
the territory now in possession of the
United States. That portion of the dis
patch telling of the belief among Fill
pinos that the present policy of the
United States will not be upheld is re-
garded as of great significance. 1t is
believed that when the Filipinos see
there is no hope of their recognition by
the United States they will give up the
fight. The absence of any suggestion
as to more troops being needed is taken
to mean that Gen. Otis does not believ,
they could be used to advantage at pres.
ent.
May Soon Fight.
Manila, June 27.-The insurgents are
again collecting in considerable force
in front of San Fernando, and another
engagement with the Americans is like
ly to take place very soon. Gen. Mac.
Arthur now has small army in the
field there, including the Seventeenth
and Nineteenth regulars, portion OF
the Twenty-second Iowa volunteers,
the Montana volunteers and part of
the Third artillery. The Twelfth regi-
ment of regulars is now on the way
from Manila.