Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-07-01
BATTLE is IMMINENT.
Filipino Insurgents Very Active
All Around the Town OF
San Fernando.
HARD Ar WORK DAY AND NIGHT

Three thousand Rebels Seen Marching in
One Hody-Uncle Sans Boys Sleep in
Their Clothes and Breakfast Early in
Expectation of Attack President
Tells Otis TO Ask for What He Wants in
the Way of Men-Preparations for Re-
fnforcinE the Philippine Army.
Manila, July 1. 10:40 a. ma collision
between the two armies at San Fernan-
do seems Inevitable soon. The insur-
gents are active all around the town.
and can be seen working in the trenches
TO strengthen their position. Day and
night forces are at work. 1t is estimated
that 1000 men were seen marching in
the road north of the town yesterday
morning. The Americans turned out and
manned the defenses. expecting an at
tack The soldiers sleep in their clothes
and breakfast at o'clock in the morn
ing. so as to be ready for another day
break assault.
Washington. July 1. - One of the
members of the cabinet, speaking in
connection with the campaign in the
Philippines. said last night: The pres
ident has given General Otis to under
necessary in the conduct of operations
against the insurgents. General Otis
has been told this in so many words,
the president having said to him in ef-
feet that if he (Otis) did not have
enough men it was his own fault. The
president also realizes that the better
the men are cared for and their health
preserved the more capable they will
the rainy season began General Otis
was instructed to prepare for it and in
various ways was given to understand
the presidents desire that the soldiers
should be well cared for and well fed"
Plans to Reinforce Otis.
The situation in the Philippines was
discussed at the cabinet meeting yes
terday and general satisfaction was
expressed in the administrations plans
for the reinforcement of General Otis.
which contemplate the re-opening of
active operations on a large scale when
the rainy season closes Sept. Is. Secre-
tary Alger reported that enlistments
were coming up to expectations. With
view to differing heregiments raised
under the volunteer provisions of the
army bill the records of the officers
of the volunteer organizations which
saw service in Cuba and Porto Rico
and which are now serving in the Phil
ippines are being carefully examined in
order that recognition may be given to
such of them as may desire to re-ente-
or continue in the service according to
their ability and merit.
Soldiers Gone and Ready to Go.
A statement prepared in the Office
OF the adjutant general shows that with
the departure of the Pennsylvania from
san Francisco about $500 reinforce
ments were dispatched to the Philip
pines this week. These troops include
ffty-nine officers and 3.444 enlisted men.
About half of the troops are recruits
intended to fill gaps in the regiments
i'll the Philippines caused by deaths,
disabilities and discharges There are
about 5000 recruits at San Francisco
which are also intended to recruit the
regular regiments in the Philippines
up to their maximum strength of 12S
men to a company. Including the Nine
teenth infantry. under orders for Ma
Mia, and the troops at San Francisco,
there are 1000 ready to start for Manila
as soon as transportation can be pro-
vided.
Only Waits Word from Otis.
Everything is in readiness for the
proposed increase in the army. and the
entire machinery of enlistment and or
canization can be put into operation at
a moments notice. The necessary or
ders will be given as soon as the in