The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-22
VOLUNTEERS MUST WATT
Preparations for Bringing Troops
,za Home Suspended.
Work of Transporting Soldiers From
the Philippines Not Likely to Be
gin Before acknowledgements De-
lnyed Pending Action of Congress
on the Army Reorganization Bill.

All preparations for the bringing h me
of the volunteer troops now in the Philip
pines have been suspended pending the
action of Congress with reference 10 the
Army Reorganization bill. 1t is now al
most certain that the work of transport
ing the volunteers back to the United
States will not begin until about the LIST
of January. Before going to Cuba Secre-
tary Root directed that the officials of the
with view to bringing it to his atten-
ton early in January.
Recent reports from the Philippines,
including General MacArthur's declara-
ton that he could not spare any Of the
military force now in the archipela so,
have convinced the War Department au-
thorities that there can be no material
reduction Of the troops in the Philippines
for some time, and that every volunteer
regiment will have to be replaced if re-
turned to the United States. To do this
will require the passage by Congress Of
bill authorizing an army of about 10o,-
coo men. and the present intention OF the
Secretary of War is to have presented to
Congress as soon as possible bill Tor the
reorganization Of the army.
1t is expected that by the LIST Of jan
uary it will be apparent what Congress
will do along this line. and the War De-
partment officials can then plan for gem
eral reorganization of the military force
in the Philippines. Plans for this reor
ganization contemplate a most active cam
paign. Nothing will be neglected which
will In Tor fla ,v>r
Many Of the regular regiments have been
in the Philippine service ever since the
first expedition under General Anderson
arrived at Manila. These will in all prob
ability be allowed to return to the United
States and their places filed by fresh
troops that have been resting in this
country. II is purposed to have a general
cleaning up of the military organization
in the Philippines SO as to continue active
operations with fresh troops instead of
those who have TO some extent become run
down By reason of tropical service.
As rapidly as possible all the sick SOL
diers will be returned to the United States
and only those OF excellent health will be
allowed TO remain in the regiments to
stay in the islands. 1t is not expected
that any additional regiments which Con-
gress might authorize will be recruited in
the Philippines from among the volunteer
regiments now there. as this plan was
tried when the 50 GOO volunteers were au-
thorized and comparatively few men re-
enlisted for the Philippine service.
Reports from recruiting Offices in this
country. however, show that there will
be no trouble whatever to Secure men to
raise the Regular Army to 900 men
Whether Secretary Root will ask for this
number or more cannot be learned Us Yet.
He will take the matter under considera-
tion early next week on his return from
Cuba and by the time Congress meets
will probably have bill ready to present.
IL Congress authorizes the increase it will
be plain sailing in planning for a contin-
uation of active operations, but 1t is de-
clared by the highest army officials that
unless Congress does authorize an army
CT about 100000 men nothing can be &C.
complished in the Philippines, as no more
regular troops can be spared from this
country for tropical service. and the num-
Der Of regulars in the islands will be Ear
from sufficient to effectually suppress
disorders during the period OF reconstruc-
ton now going on under the direction Of
the Philippine Commission.