The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-10
BIG. ARMY NEEDED
Maj. Gen. Macarthur Reports
on Philippine Conditions.
Large American Force VIII Be
Required For Years.
LONG TIME TO COME.
SubjugatiOn Of FiIipinOs Is a
Serious Problem.
Over a Thousand Americans
Killed and Wounded.
Report Is From Nov. l., 1899
to Sept. /, 1900.
LONG TIME TO COME.

Washington. Nov. 10.--Aajor Gen. Ar
thur Macarthur. commanding the army
in the Philippines and military governor
of the islands since May 8. 1900, has sub
mitted his report to the war depart
ment. A considerable portion OF the re-
port relates to events which took place
previous to the date when he assumed
command and he publishes some OF the
correspondence and proclamations Of
the Filipinos obtained before that time.
He refers to the change in Aguinaldo's
plans in abandoning his army organiza-
ton and starting a guerilla warfare.
The conditions Of the country have ar
forded advantages for such policy, he
says as they have enabled the insur-
gents to appear and disappear az their
convenience. At one time they are sold
iers and Immediately afterwards they
are within the American lines in the at
titude OF peaceful natives
A widely scattered formation OF Fill
pinos quickly followed the guerilla war
fare which led to a corresponding als-
semination Of American troops there be-
ing SO military stations in the Archipc
lago November i, 1899, and Al stations
September /, 1900. This resulted in a
which did not assume the dignity of
regular combat though the casualties
between the dates stated, were PCS
Americans killed, $50 wounded and s.
same time being 1927 killed, 69l wound
ed and 2.S64 captured
Gen Macarthur says the extensive
distribution of troops has strained the
soldiers Of the army to the fun limit OF
endurance. He says the apparent des-
ultory work has demanded more Of dis
cipline and as much Of valor as was re-
quired during the period OF regular uu-
erations against concentrated fell
forces of insurrectionists. Gen. MacAr-
thur speaks in the highest terms Of the
service rendered by the troops amid all
labors and hardships.
The Filipinos" says Gen. Macarthur,
''are not a warlike or ferocious people.
Left to themselves a large number Of
them would gladly accept American su-
premacy which they are gradually COM
ing to understand means Individual lib
erty and absolute security in their lives
and property. They have been madden
ed however during the past FIVE years
by rhetorical sophistry and stimulants
applied to national pride until power Of
discriminating in matters OF public con-
cern, or private interest has been almost
entirely suspended. As a substitute for
all other cOnsidera tiOns the people seem
to be actuated by the idea that IN al
doubtful matters Of politics or war. men
are never nearer right than when going
with their own ldth and kin regardless
of consequences"
This condition he says, has raised
difficulties and distractions in pacihca-
tiOn.
The effort to institute municipal gov
ernment under American auspices, car
ried the idea Of exclusive fidelity to the
United States but this met with dim
culties where Filipinos were placed en-
tirely in control and secret municipal
governments were organized in various
towns under insurgent auspices TO pro-
ceed simultaneously with the American
governments and often through the
same personnel Presidents and town
officials acted openly in behalf Of Amer
I leans and secretly In behalf Of the in
surgents and paradoXical as it may
seem, with considerable apparent solicit
tude for the interests Of both. Wherever
there is group Of insurgent forces. COR
uguOus towns contribute to their sup
port and render great assistance In se-
cretlng the soldiers and helping theu
to escape.
The report says the success Of the
guerilla system depends upon complete
unity Of action among the native pop
ulation. That there is such unity is
frankly acknowledged, but how Il is
brought about Gen. Macarthur says he
is unable to ascertain. Intimidation ac-
counts for the condition to some extent.
but fear would not be successful as the
only motive He adds: 1T Is more
probable that the adhesive principle
comes from chronological Nhomogeneity
which induces men TO respond for time
to the appeals Of consanguineous leader
ship, even when such action is opposed
to their own interest and convictions OF
| expediency"
He says that this statement npplies
to the entire archipelago excepting the
I portion of Mindanao occupied by Moros
and the Jolo group. The Moros seem en-
/ tirely satisfied with present conditions.
| Gen. Macarthur quotes captured COR
respondence to show the efforts OF the
/ insurgent leaders to intirnidate and con-
| troll the people. He declares that the
guerilla bands could not exist except for
/ towns. He says that the education Of
/ the Filipinos will tend TO secure their
/ submission. but indicates that this will
take a great deal Of time and patience
and an adequate force.
In closing his report, Gen. Macarthur
after speaking Of the establishment Of
a Republican form Of government In the
/ islands says.
I'm the light Of existing conditions 81
] possibility of such a future for the is-
! lands. especially as at present and Tor
/ many years TO come, the necessity ot o
4 large American military and naval force
/ is too apparent to admit Of discussion.
/ on the other hand, however. there are
many encouraging conditions 70 sustain
/ such a conviction. For example, in the
I Philippines there is no dynasty TO des-
/ troy; nor organized system Of feudal
/ laws to eradicate: no principles lncou-
sistent with Republication which had
solidly insinuated themselves into the
national life. to displace; no adverse
/ aspects of nature to overcome. on the
/ contrary which is exuberant, balmy and
/ generous has nourished into existence
/ several millions Of sensitive and cred
| ulous people without allegiance to any
! existing institutions. but animated BY
| certain inchoate ideas and aspirations,
| which by some unfortunate perYersiOn ok