Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1899-06-30
GENERAL oTIs HEARD From.
Informs the War Department OF the situ-
alton In tho Philippines.

Washington, June 26.-The follow
ing from General Otis covering the
situation in the Philippines, was re-
ceived by the war department this
morning:
MANILA. June 2G.--Adjutant Cen
ersl, Washington IS now the rainy
season and little campag ning Is possi-
Bile in Luzon. We occupy large por-
ton of the Tagaiog country, with lines
stretching from linus on the south To
San Fernando on the north, nearly
sixty miles, and To the eastward into
Iaguna province. The insurgent
armies have suffered great losses and
are scattered. The only large force
held together is about 1000 in Tarlac
province and northern Rapanga. The
scattered force is in bands OF 500 to
1000 in other portions Of Luzon, in
Cavite, and in Batanagas provinces,
they could assemble probably 1000,
although they are demoralized by re-
cent defeat.
The mass of the people are terror
lied by the insurgent soldiers, and de-
sire peace and American protection.
They no longer flee on the approach
of our troops, unless forced by the in
surgents, but gladly welcom them.
There has been no recent burning OF
towns. The population within our
lines is growing dense and taking to
land cultivation quite extensively.
They are kept out of Manila as much
as possible, as the city population is
becoming too geeat to be cared for.
The natives in southeast Luzon are
combining to drive the insurgents out.
The only hope of the insurgcnt |
leaders is United States aid. They |
proclaim the near overthrow of the |
present administration, to be followed |
by their independence and recognized |
by the United States. This is the in
fluence which enables them to hold
out. Much contention prevails among
them, and no civil government re-
mains.
The seaside ports are now in our pos
session, a former source of insurgent
revenue. Trade is now interdicted.
although the wisdom of this policy is
uncertain, as the people in the sea
ports are without "A supply OF food, and
the merchants are suffering losses.
We mediate restoring the trade privi-
leges, although the insurgents will
reap benefits Courts here are in sue
cessful operation under the direction
of able Filipinos Affairs in other
islands are comparatively quiet, await
ing results in Luzon. All show ankle
ty for trade and repeated calls for
American troops are received. Am
giving attention to .Jolo archipelago
and Palaywai islands.
Our troops have worked to the limit
Of endurance The volunteer organiza-
lions have been called in and replaced
by regulars who now occupy the Sail
emit positions. Nebraska, Pennsylva-
MIA and Utah troops are now taking
transports and the Sixth infantry
has been sent to Negros to relieve
ieve California troops. These
troops are all in gooo physical
condition. Sickness among the troops
las increased lately, due mostly to the ,
arduous services and climate intlu-
,nces, but nothing alarming of the
2 per cent of the command reported
lick, nearly 0 per cent in general {
hospital have typhoid and II per |
'ent malaria fevers, % per cent have .
Intestinal trouble. The remaining SO
,er cent. have various ailments, IA per |
emit OF which are due to wounds and I
INJURIES. Many of the officers and
men who served in Cuba are suffering
recurrence OF the Cuban fdver and
he REGULAR regiments lately received I
re inadequately Differed. OTIS" e
1t is stated at the department that t
he inadequacy of the number of off, =
ers mentioned above in the cablegram
he Zealandia and Sheridan carrying !
lumber OF officers for regiments in the :
philippines. .