The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1900-06-05
OTIS REACHES LAND.
The General Leaves San Fran
cisco For Washington.
REFUSES TO MAKE A STATEMENT.
He Says, However, the War Is over,
and Many Former Insurgents
Are Friendly - Condition
of Troops Excellent.


Are Friendly - Condition
of Troops Excellent.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 5.-After
five days in quarantine at Angel island
Major General e. 8. Otis, who arrived
last Wednesday from Manila, was allow.
ed to land yesterday. Because Of several
cases Of smallpox Oh board the transport
Meade General Otis and all on board had
to submit to vaccination. General Otis
was brought over from Angel island on a
special steamer furnished by General
Shafter, who went to meet the returning
general, accompanied by Surgeon Major
Arthur and Captain Wilson. The party
was ,dsiven to the Occidental hotel, where
General Otis spent the afternoon receiv-
ing callers and preparing for his depar-
ture east.
1t had been decided to receive General
Otis here with full military honOrs, but
for some reason this ceremony was omit
ted.
General Otis, in response TO request
for statement of the situation in the
Philippines, said that while it would give
him great pleasure to comply with the re-
luOSt Nuh NOAstLul " ueClAC Lut
the reason that such action in his judg-
ment would be inconsistent with his duty
Us an officer of the army. Asked what
would be the effect on the war il the re-
port Of Aguinaldo's death were true,
General Otis said that the war was prac-
tically ended, that Aguinaldo's followers
were deserving fast and those who now
remain with him are generally of the low
er class. Most Of his officers have left
him, though some still remain in touch
with him. Some of those who have left
him are now engaged in business in Ma
Mia, and others are hiding in the noun
tains. Many Of his closest followers are
very friendly toward the United States,
and as soon as the natives in general gain
confidence in the friendly Offices of the
Americans there would be little difficulty
in bringing them to terms. Asked as to
the commercial value of the islands, the
general said that they were vastly rich,
especially in hemp, sugar and tobacco,
and as soon as the situation became more
quiet business Of all kinds would increase
tremendously, as it is doing now
General Otis would not state whether
or not he favored the retention of the is
lands by this country, and in response to
such query he merely said: I'VE have
got them now. What are we to do about
it,"
Regarding the number of troops and
the condition Of the soldiers General
Otis said: "There are $4,000 effective
troops scattered among the islands now
engaged in the protection of the people
from guerrilla warfare, which is rampant
in some sections, The general health Of
the troops is exceedingly good, the per-
centage Of the sick for the month of
April being but 10 per cent. The Ameri-
cans can stand the climate better than
the Filipinos and especially during the
rainy season did their health impress me.
The men are becoming acclimated, and
though it may become necessary to send
out relief troops at times it will hardly
be necessary to send soldiers very fire.
Quently."
General Otis said that his own health
was excellent that the ocean trip had
done him world of good.
General Otis left for Washington last
night and will report to the president at
once. He could not state when his re-
port of the situation would be ready, but
he would first make verbal report to
the authorities in Washington and later
hand in an extended written report.