The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-04
WHEELER'S WOE.
'sFighting Joe" Graves to Be
Chasing the Filipino.
Thinks There is a Conspiracy
Against Him
AMONG THE OFFICERS.
To Prevent Him From Active
Participation.
The Fiery General Complains to
the President.

Washington, Jan. 4.-Letters (. "a Man
lila, received at the war department and
by friends of General Wheeler indicate
that the relations between that intrepid
warrior and his military superiors and
associates are not as cordial as they
might be. General Wheeler is a volum-
nous writer. He took a stenographer
with him when he went to the Philip
pines, and keeps him busy. Every mail
brings a. large bundle of letters addressed
to his intimate friends in congress and In
private life including several newspaper
men who are in his confidence. On several
occasions the little general has written
directly to the president, which am told
is a violation of the army regulations,
which prohibit a subordinate from com
municating with the commander in chief
except through the regular military
channels. But General Wheeler is all
lowed to do what would not be permitted
from any other officer, and his commun-
ications to the president, although dealing
directly with the situation in the Phllip-
pines, have been considered personal IN
stead of official.
General Wheeler appears to have a
grievance against the regular-army Of
ficers. He thinks there is a conspiracy
among them to prevent him from active
participation in the Philippine campaign
and thereby depriving him of the glory
and qualification which is the reward OF
idle and useless. while officers of lesser
rank from the regular army are chasing
Aguinaldo through the forests. and gorgeS
and lighting the Filipino guerrlllas among
the jungles and sugar haciendas. 1t cost
the general five months of persistent pres
sure at the White House and war de-
partment to get an order to the Philip
pines, and now. that he has got there,
and the senatorial campaign in Alabama
has already opened. Generals Young,
Lawton, Macarthur and others of the
regular army have been assigned to ac-
tive work, while Wheeler has had to loaf
in his tent, so to speak. Being man of
int fx-ff n hoe haa islr-
some and General Wheeler has appealed
to his friends and even to the president to
use their influence so that Otis will give
him a livelier job.
There is, without doubt, a distinct pre-
regular army He is regarded as a polit-
zeal general. He insists upon retaining his
the army at the same time, which is not
considered proper in a true soldier and
there is a feeling also that the little gen.
eral is in the army for political reasons.
The regular officers feel about him very
much as the members of a medical asso-
citation would feel about a doctor who
having retired from the profession and
spent the greater part of his life in other
business should endeavor to secure the
patronage of their most profitable pat
It is said that General Wheeler's latest
messages to the president, which are sent
through a. colleague in congress were Sc
verely critical in the comments upon the
ippines, and reflected directly upon his
superior officer, General Otis. If that
be subject to court-martial, but, as I have
suggested, General Wheeler is allowed lib
critics that are not enjoyed by other of
fcers. 1t is said also that General
Wheeler appealed directly to the presi-
dent for advice as to his future plans.
He said that if his services were not
needed in the Philippines he would re-
turn to Washington and resume his seat
in congress, where he might be more use
full to the president in promoting his ex-
pansion policy; but if he remained in the
Philippines he wanted active service. and
not garrison duty. l understand that the
president has allowed this letter to re-
main unanswered, but has indirectly en-
deavored to crafty General Wheeler S
ambition to chase the Filipinos, leaving
his assignment. however, entirely to the
Judgment of General Otis. The latter,
however, has intimated a preference for
General Wheeler's return to congress and
| is reported to have said that his presence
at Manila was a continued embarrassment
| TO the army.