Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-08-10
OTIS PRAISES VOLUNTEERS.


OTIS PRAISES VOLUNTEERS.
Pays Fitting Tribute to Their Hero
ism and Self Sacrifice.
Headquarters Deartment Of the Paci-
fic and Eighth Army Corps, Manila, p.
l., July 1, 1S99.-General Orders, No. s.
Emergencies have rendered 1t impos-
sible to transport to the United States
the volunteer organizations of the army
of the Philippines as soon as meditated
and desired, thereby preventing their
members from Joining their homes and
re-engaging in their civil pursuits for a
considerable period OF time after they
acquired the acknowledged light to de-.
mand their release and return. Not7
withstanding this unexpected detention.
these soldiers have uncomplainingly
given to their government uninterrupt.
ed military service. attended with de-
privations and dangers to life and
health, which those OF their countrymen
unacquainted with the conditions can
neither realize nor approximately ap-
preciate.
This spirit Of devotion to country ana
its announced humanitarian policy,
manifested so abundantly in their indi-
vidual sacrifices, has animated them
from the day they commenced their
long voyage of seven thousand miles of
sea to engage it's European enemy, then
represented in these islands. and assist
the island subjects to obtain social and
political regeneration. II did not fail
them when those subjects, freed by
their efforts from the control Of Spain.
and deceived by evil-disposed persons,
to distrust the beneficent Intentions of
the United States in their behalf, placed
themselves in hostile attitude with sur
prising CELEBRITY. 1t displayed Its great
est achievement during the weeks Of
waiting and watching, when, confined
within the limits of single city by the
battle lines of a self-constituted enemy
these men offered neither threat nor
violence for insults received and the
hostile demonstrations which menaced
them. On the contrary. responding to
| their governments commands to avoid
war. they vainly endeavored to placate
that enemy by peaceful and friendly as
surances.
| This obedience to instructions was
construed as cowardice by the insur-
| gent army and influenced it to precipi-
tate formidable attack, assured not
Ionly of victory but of its ability to COM
| pletely destroy its declared adversary.
| The victory, in fact, was Won and be-
Ilonged to the American soldiers at the
| moment that attack was inaugurated
| for they We're then absolved from the
| duty of longer self-imposed restraint
| which they had rigidly enforced during
| the preceding weeks of anxious expect
Iancy, whereby they exhibited the
lcrowning virtue of the highest type of
civilization. They had achieved the vic
tory over themselves, and the easier
task of confronting an enemy who had
assailed the majesty of their govern
| ment alone remained. This they have
accomplished most efficiently. With
standing the heat of the tropics. its
| scorching sun and drenching rains,
overcoming every obstacle which pro-
lific nature and a willy. active and
courageous foe could devise, their on
ward march has been series of aston
fishing successes. They have responded
with alacrity to every demand made
upon them. however desperate the con-
sequences might appear, and have new
er failed to more than accomplish ex-
pected results.
f
! department commander desires to ac-
knowledge his great obligations The
country owes them a debt of gratitude
which it cannot repay To the volun-
teers and troops of the regular estab-
lishment who pledged their services
during the war with Spain only. and
who have continued to render them un-
der sacrifices innumerable. without
|complaint, and cheerfuliy, intelligently
Iappreciating as they did the public ne
Icessities, even greater praise and re-
gard are due. Some have recently de-
parted All others will follow within a
short period of time and as rapidly as
facilities can be secured. The depart.
ment commander desires for them 9
speedy and safe return to their homes
! and that merited rest and public graft
tude to which their exceptional services
entitle them. BY command of Major
General Otis: Thomas II. Barry. AS
: sistant Adjutant General.