Evening star., 1900-02-08
OTIS TO COME HOME
Will Be Granted a Leave of Alb
sence,
RECOGNITION OF ARDUOUS SERVICES
Will Not Be Relieved of Command
in the Philippines.
THE TAFT COMMISSION

The President has decided as a special
mark of indulgence to Gen Otis and in
recognition of the valuable and arduous
services performed by him in the Philip
pines during the past two years to grant
that officer leave of absence, in order that
he may come home and see his family and
enjoy a short season of rest and recreation.
Although he has made no formal applica-
tion for leave of absence. Gen. Otis has
plainly indicated in his private correspond
ence that he would like short respite from
active duty long enough for him to see his
family and home again.
The date of his departure from Manila
will depend mainly upon the state of affairs
in the Philippines. but it is expected that
he will have fully established the SOW
ereignty of the United States in that quar-
ter, SO as to permit of mis- departure in the
early spring.
Not to BE Relieved of Command.
1t is stated at the War Department that
there is nothing in the Presidents action to
indicate any change of POLICY with respect
to the government of the Philippines Gen.
Otis is not to be detached from command
of the military forces there but will be
merely granted leave of absence, the COM
mand in the meantime naturally devolving
officer present. Although the appointment
of the Taft commission undoubtedly con-
templates the eventual establishment of a
civil form of government in the archi-
pelago it s rot calculated that such a
Change can be conSummated for many
months to come. In the meantime the mil
itary government will be continued in COM
mand OF Gen. Otis, and in his temporary
absence in command of Gen. Macarthur.
The exact powers of the new civilian
Philippine commission have not yet been
disclosed. but it is not expected that it will
entirely supersede the existing military con-
troll at least until the insurrection has been
completely suppressed and active military
operations are no longer necessary for the
preservation of law and order. 1t is ex-
pected that General Otis, regardless of his
whereabouts. will continue to be In COM
mand of the troops in the Philippines until
the Taft commission is fully prepared to
tuaugurate the proposed civil government
of the islands.
In all matters affecting the political af-
fairs of the Philippines the military au-
thorities will be subordinate to the Taft
commission. which will have plenary pow
ers and will act under the direct orders of
the President and the Secretary of War
1t is not probable. however. that the new
commission will arrive in Manila and or
ganiZe much before the 1st of June. Judge
Taft, as the president of the commission
will be the direct representative of the
President. and such will be the governor
general to all intents and purposes The
civil affairs of each military department
will be administered by a civil commission
er, who will perform the functions of
territorial governor
When the conditions Justify it the mill
tary forces in the Philippines will be grad
ualiy withdrawn. but there is no prospect
OF such action for several months to come
The volunteers will be brought home IN the
order of their departure from the United
States, but 1t is not likely that any of
them will land on these shores before the
winter of 1900 at the earliest