El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1899-06-26
By Gen. Otis Concerning the
State Of Affairs In the
Philippines.
SICKNESS NOT SERIOUS
The People Of the Philippines
Hate the Insurgents and
Gladly Welcome the
Americans.

a WASHINGTON, June 26.-The fol-
lowing dispatch from Gen. Otis cover
ing the situation in the Philippines
was received at the war department
this morning.
| MANILA, June 26.-To Adjutant
General, Washington: It is the rainy
season and little campaigning is pos
sible in Luzon.
We occupy a large portion of the
Tagalog country, the lines stretching
from linus, south TO San Fernando,
north nearly sixty miles, and to the
eastward into Laguna province.
The insurgent armies have suffered
great losses and are scattered; the only
large force held together, about 4 900,
is in Tarlac province and northern Pa
pangs.
The scattered forces In bands of so
to 100 are in other portions Of Luzon;
| In Cavite and Batanagas provinces the
enemy could assemble possibly 2,0CO
men, although they are demoralized by
recent defeat.
The mass of the people are terroriz-
ed by the insurgent soldiers, and
earnestly desire peace and American
protection. They no longer fee on
the approach of our troops unless
forced to do so by the insurgents, but
gladly they welcome them.
There has been no recent burning of
towns.
The population within our lines is
mi
ing up land cultivation extensively,
and are kept out of Manila as much as
possible, as the city population is be-
coming too great to be cared for.
The natives in southeastern Luzon
are com bining to drive the insurgents
out.
The only hope of the insurgept lead
ers is in United States aid. They pro-
claim the near overthrow of the pre-
sent administration will be followed by
their independence and recognition by
the United States.
This is the influence which enables
them to hold out. Much contention
prevails among them and no civil gov
ernment remains.
The seaside ports are now in our
possession and this former source of
insurgent revenue now interdicted.
am not ertain of the wisdom of this
policy as the people in these ports are
without supply of food and merchants
are suffering losses. In mediate restor-
ing trade privileges, although the in
surgents will reap benefits.
The courts here are in successful
operation under the direction OF able
Filipinos.
Affairs in the other islands are COM
paratively quiet, awaiting results in
LuZOn.
All anxiety is for the state of trade
and repeated calls for American troops
are received.
[ am giving attention to the Jolo
Archipelago o and Palaywai islands,
Our troops have worked to the limit
of endurance. The volunteer oreani-
zstions have been called in and re-
placed by regulars, who pow occupy
salient positions.
The Nebraska, Pennsylvania and
Utah troops are now taking transports
and the Sixth infantry has been sent
to Negros to relieve the Californ re-
giment. These troops are in good
condition.
Sickness among the American troops
has increased lately, due mostly to
arduous service and climatic infiuer ces.
There is nothing alarming
OF the II per cent of the entire com
mand reported sick, nearly per cent
OF those in the general hospital have
typhoid and II p. C. malarisl fevers: 25
per cent have intestinal trouble:the re-
80 per cent have various all
ments, IA of which are due to wouads
and iojuries. Officers and men who
served in Cuba break down under re-
'urrence of Cuban fever. The regular