Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-07
AN EARLY CAMPAIGN
Otis Forces May Move by the LIST of
October.
WHEN CLIMATIC CONDITIONS PERMIT
Preparing for Prompt Resumption
of Hostilities.
a r M Y IN PHILIP ES

Notwithstanding the optimistic views of
Mr.. Schurman and others regarding the
state of affairs in the Philippines there has
been no relaxation whatever In the energet-
ic preparations of the army and navy for
renewal of aggressive operations at the
earliest possible moment. At the War De-
partment, in particular, the officials are
showing greater activity than ever before
in their preparations for a prompt resump-
ton of hostilities against the insurgents as
soon as the climatic conditions In the Is
lands will justify such action. There is a
bare possibility of a forward movement of
Gen. Otis forces by the LIST of October.
Several prominent officers at the depart
ment are of opinion that the rainy season
Will have spent its force by that time suffi-
GENTLY to permit the movement of troops
in force. Under the present war policy of
crushing out the rebellion at the earliest
possible date. General Otis will be in
Structed to take advantage of every favor
able opportunity for reopening the cam
paign.
Strength of Otis Army.
He has reported the actual strength of
MS forces in the Philippines, and these
with the recruits and additional troops
now on the way have been carefully COM
puted. BY October l General Otis will have
an army of $1,000 effective fighting men.
that such a force is sufficient for begin
ming an active campaign against the Fill
pinos early in October unless the weather
conditions are such as to absolutely pre-
vent the movement of troops.
The climatic conditions in the Philip
pines are variable, and while the rainy
season usually lasts until the first of No
vember it sometimes closes much earlier,
and the intention of the War Department
is to be ready for immediate action as soon
as the conditions are favorable.
While General Otis may take the field
with his army when the conditions permit,
1t Will make no difference in the matter
of hurrylng forward the twenty regiments
OF volunteers in this country to augment
his army. If there should be active fight
ing before the volunteer regiments reach
Manila these reinforcements will be most
acceptable to relieve the troops on the fight
ing line or they can be formed into an
other corps for the purpose of pursuing
the Filipinos in other parts of the Island
of Luzon.
Proposed Flank Movement.
In this connection it is known that many
officers look with favor upon the sugges-
ton that an army should be landed at
Lingayen and move down the Dagupan
railway, thus taking the army of Aguin-
aldo in the rear. Such plan would neces-
state the cooperation of the navy, and the
officials OF The Navy Department have con-
suited with the War Department as to
what may be done to advantage in that
direction. The navy has offered to send d
squadron to Lingayen bay and subdue the
town and occupy it, thus insuring a safe
landing for the army should the plan of
attack be decided upon.
The activity of the War Department off
Gals and the close figuring that Is being
done regarding the available force in thu
philippines indicate an early movement
1t has been known among officers of tn
army in the Philippines that forwar
movement was contemplated in November
already iDjjcata a
indications that the campaign may begin at
least month earlier in case of favorable
weather conditions
President Schurman's Confidence.
President Schurman of the Philippine
commission called on Secretary Hay and
Secretary Root today to say goodbye be-
fore leaving for ithaca, N. Y. Mr.. Schur-
man has undoubtedly made deep impress
sion upon the officials of the administra-
ton by his statements relative to affairs in
the Philippines when he left. His optimis-
TIC views have convinced some of the lead
ing officials. at least, that the end of the
war in the Philippines is in sight.
One of the arguments which he used to
support this belief was large chart of
the Philippine group. On this the various
races populating the islands were graphf-
cally set out in colors. making remarka-
bic chronological chart. The significant
feature, after all, was the small showing
made by the Tagals Not only did this
chart show that that tribe forms but a
small portion of the total population of the
Philippines but it also made it appear
that the Tagals in insurrection against the
United States constitute only a portion of
the strength Of the entire tribe, and that
whole provinces in LuZon, notably at the
northern extremity of the island, are either
friendly to the United States at least
stand neutral, afraid to show their friend
illness for US.
President Schurman accompanied by
Maj. Frank s. Bourn. who has had a nota-
Bile experience in the Philippines. He went
out to the islands from the United States
before the outbreak Of the Instruction
and with Prof. Worcester. one of the COM
missioners. visited many of the important
Islands outside of LuZon. so that he is
fully prepared to afford such informa ton
as to the disposition of the peoples as may
be necessary for a correct understanding of
their attitude. He was afterward appoint
ed chief surgeon in the volunteer army,
with the rank of major, and served cred
ftably with the troops in the field.