Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-07-27
Gen. Anderson's Views About the
Governor Of the Philippines.
Cen. NILES TO Be CONSULTED.
A Belief That the General Commanding
the Army VIII Recommend That Gen.
Otis BE Superseded Hoke
Smiths Views.

ties In the islands subordinate to him. ,
Brig. Gen. Thomas NJ. Anderson, com
handing the department of the lakes
yesterday outlined in the foregoing
words what he believed to be the best
course to pursue in the far east. He
expressed himself as follows when
asked his opinion of the results likely
to follow the installation of the new
secretary Of war:
The greatest exigency with which we have to
deal at present exists In the Philippines and te
II we should bring the best talent we have
The governor general should be- first OF all, Q
statesman. He should have the dictation OF the
course to be pursued and the military repre-
sentatives should carry out the orders Of the
governor general implicitly, but preferably in
their own way
As 1t is, Cen Otis is both ciN and military
general in the island Exercising both Of these
functions, he is the most absolute and arbitrary
ruler on earth, the car Of Russia not excepted.
The military power should, in my opinion be
merely u means Of carrying out the policy Of the
civil administration. Understand that do not
mean this as q criticism Of Gen. Otis, for he is
vested with this dual power and must do the
best he can. believe that the task he Is trying
to perform is too great for any one man, no mat
ter how capable he may be.
The man at the head OF the war department
ut Washington should be one Of good business
executive ability and sound common sense
The craftsmanship is required on the scene Of
action. have no intimation OF any change in
the administration Of the department under Mr..
Root One thing Is certain however, so long
| as Cen Otis Is allowed to remain in command
he should receive the support Of the administra-
tion ut Washington. An incorrect policy car
rled out with determination Is usually produce
tive Of better results than Is policy which, on
the whole might be better, but the execution Of
which is wavering.
Whether or not Gen. Otis has acted wisely In
the matter Of press censorship am too far
away to tell Personally, have great deal Of
respect for the correspondents with whom
came In contact In the Philippines and believe
them to be men Of truth and honor. There may
be other elements entering into the case, how
ever, which would justify Gen. Otis In that
which he is said to have done.
GEN. MILES TO BE CONSULTED.
Washington, July 25.-Ohicers Of the
army who are in u position to know
unite in the opinion that the status of
Maj. Gen. Miles in the war department
will be materially changed upon the
assumption by Elihu Root Of the duties
Of secretary Of war. Since the begin
ming Of the war with Spain the rela-
tons existing between Gen. Miles and
Secretary Alger, as well as Adjt. Gen.
Corbin, have been anything but friend
ly. The situation has grown steadily
worse, until at present, so far as power
Is concerned, Gen. Miles Is nothing
more than tigurehead. 1t is already
said by friends Of Mr.. Root, who
has accepted the war portfolio from
Mr., Mckinley, that Gen. Miles will be
consulted. freely in army matters by
the new secretary of war. Although
Mr.. Root does not bear any particular
feeling Of aversion toward Gen. Miles
detractors in the army, his friends
claim that he will give them to under
stand that the major general command
ing the army is no longer to be perse-
cuted and that the future must be void
of offense against Gen. Miles. Mr..
Roots friends say that the plotting
which has been going on at the war
department for some time will have to
cease and that clean administration
Of affairs is to follow.
Army officers say that If Gen. Miles
Is consulted by the new secretary of
war regarding affairs in the Philip
pines he will undoubtedly recommend
a change in the commanding general
at Manila. Gen. Miles, it is known.
does not approve of the policy adopted
by Gen. Otis in the far east, particular
ly concerning his opinion as to the
number of troops needed and it is
understood would unhesitatingly ad-
wise his recall. President Mckinley
apparently has not yet realized the ne
cessity of such a change, although
Gen. Otis recall seems to be the popu-
lar verdict of the people throughout
the country. Whether Mr., Root will
take hand in the matter remains to
be seen, but it is limited by army
officers that the president may be
forced to deal with Gen. Otis as he did
with inc secretary orwar.
HoKE SMITH ON THE WAR.
New York, July 2a-A special from
Washington says; Ex-Secretary Hoke
Smith was interviewed on the subject Of
the campaign in the Philippines and
said.
Nine-tenths Of the people in our section are
opposed to continuing the war. The sentiment
oil over the south, believe, is Overwhelmingly
against trying to retain the Islands, The FIJI
ipinos are fighting for liberty In the
same way that we did a hundred years
ago and the American people are al
ready sick and tired Of the slaughter
going on there am not in favor OF having
our troops leave the islands with an armed force
lined up against them but that would not be
necessary. II we would avow our intention Of
leaving the islands to the natives and abandon
ing our attempt OF sovereignty the fighting
would stop at once. Then after we had assisted
In establishing government, II the natives so
wished, our troops could properly be withdrawn.
II the next presidential campaign were TO be
waged solely on the issue Of continuing the war,
the opposition candidate would carry the coun.
try.
The Sheridan Reaches Manila.
Manila Iulv OK Thu Initial St,tao